FTSE 100, FTSE 250 both up 0.3
Ashtead Group falls after forecasting slower revenue growth
Whitbread gains after reiterating annual forecast

June 18 Reuters London stocks inched higher on Tuesday, with investors eyeing key domestic inflation data and the Bank of England39;s policy decision this week, while losses in Ashtead Group capped gains.

The bluechip FTSE 100 was up 0.3 at 8,164.21 points.

The benchmark has been drifting between the 8,100 and 8,200 levels for the past couple of weeks, with a steeper decline expected if the index dips below the 8,100 mark.

The midcap FTSE 250 also rose 0.3.

The FTSE is struggling to move above that 8,200 level because we39;re seeing a consolidation phase ahead of inflation data and the Bank of England decision. We39;re waiting for the next catalyst, Fiona Cincotta, senior market analyst at City Index said.

Britain39;s consumer price index data is due on Wednesday, while the BoE decision will be out on Thursday.

There is a sense of optimism surrounding the inflation reading, which is expected to fall to 2, which is the Bank of England target it will help the BoE feel more comfortable about an August cut, Cincotta said.

Citi analysts see the possibility of a rate cut by the central bank as finely balanced between August and September. They expect a policy tone that reaffirms a weak cutting bias, alongside continued dependence on economic data.

Among individual stocks, Whitbread gained 3.4, after the Premier Inn owner…