1. Thames Water mulling restrictions as AI boom saps water supply
Large-language models like ChatGPT are causing a spike in water consumption across the globe, prompting big tech companies to step up transparency.
2. NatWest chief executive resigns after Farage row
Alison Rose resigned after admitting to a “serious error of judgment” in briefing a BBC journalist about the closure of Nigel Farage’s bank account.
3. Rolls-Royce: Things couldn’t be better
A post-Covid boom for the aviation sector, alongside higher defence spending post-Ukraine war, helped the FTSE 100-firm to bumper first-half results.
4. Lloyds bad debt provisions mount
Analysts warned of gathering clouds ahead for the UK’s largest lender after a jump in bad debt provisions in the six months to June.
5. FTSE 100 closes under ahead of US Fed rate decision
At the close, the FTSE was 15 points under at 7,677, a 0.2% loss on the day.