FTSE 100 up 0.1, FTSE 250 off 0.3
Defence stocks led declines, energy stocks shine
US PCE, UK GDP numbers awaited

June 25 Reuters UK39;s FTSE 100 edged higher on Tuesday as gains in energy shares offset declines in defence stocks, while investors stayed cautious ahead of economic data that could sway expectations on the path of U.S. and UK interest rates.

The bluechip FTSE 100 rose 0.1 at 8,287.40 points, while the midcap FTSE 250 dipped 0.3 at 0716 GMT.

Energy majors Shell and BP rose more than 1 each as crude prices , steadied near recent highs.

Shares of aerospace and defence firms like Melrose Industries, RollsRoyce and Senior PLC fell in the range of 2.6 and 5.9 after European aerospace group Airbus cut its industrial and financial guidance for the year.

Traders largely refrained from placing big bets ahead of the U.S. personal consumption expenditure data PCE, due Friday even as they banked on the numbers to show a renewed moderation in inflation.

UK gross domestic product GDP is also due this week and could potentially add to Bank of England BoE policymakers39; confidence for an interest rate cut in August.

Comments from BoE officials last week had revived some hopes for an August cut, which were partially tempered by a strong retail sales reading on Friday.

Adding to caution is London39;s political landscape, with the parliamentary elections on July 4. Investors expect the BoE to refrain from releasing minutes of its meeting ahead of the election.

The…