1. UK inflation drops sharply but not quite as much as expected
The headline annual CPI rate eased to 2.3% from 3.2% in March, meaning it is not far off the Bank of England's 2% target.
2. FTSE 100 tumble's on inflation disappointment
London's blue-chip index was down 68 points at 8,348 in late trading.
3. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call July 4 election
Reports suggest he will formally ask the King to dissolve parliament later on Wednesday.
4. M&S jumps to six-year high as profits jump enables resumption of dividend
The retailer reported a bigger-than-expected jump in annual profits in a year when the dividend was restored after a four-year gap.
5. Mitchells & Butlers profits soar as cost inflation eases
Pre-tax profits reached £108 million in the 28 weeks to April 13, a marked improvement compared to the £40 million achieved in 2023.