FTSE 100 flat, FTSE 250 off 0.2

Aug 15 Reuters The UK39;s benchmark index FTSE 100 was flat on Thursday as gains from an inline UK GDP data, showing a stillhealthy economy, were offset by losses in companies that traded without entitlement to their latest dividend payouts.

The bluechip FTSE 100 was flat as of 0711 GMT after logging four sessions of gains, while the midcap FTSE 250 was down 0.2.

Britain39;s economy grew 0.6 in the second quarter of 2024, in line with economists39; expectations and building on a rapid 0.7 recovery in the first quarter of the year after a shallow recession in the second half of 2023.

It39;s worth noting that June39;s GDP figure was completely flat, which might initially raise concerns. However, this could actually provide the Bank of England with further justification to consider cutting interest rates next month, said Sam North, market analyst at investment platform eToro.

The pound was higher against the U.S. dollar and money markets still see a 40 chance of BoE cutting rates by 25 basis points in September.

Overall, the investor sentiment remained sanguine partly after the benign U.S. consumer inflation data overnight reinforced bets for the Federal Reserve to start cutting interest rates next month.

Among sectors, industrial metal miners slid 1.1, on track for its third session of declines, as Rio Tinto and Anglo American traded exdividend.

Admiral Group jumped 11.6 after the motor and home insurer posted a forecastbeating 32…