FTSE 100 flat; FTSE 250 down 0.1
Gambling firms slump on potential tax raid
Ashmore up after Q1 results

Oct 14 Reuters The UK39;s main stock indexes opened largely flat on Monday as investors await a set of crucial economic data this week, while gambling firms fell after reports of the government considering tax raids.

The bluechip index FTSE 100 was trading flat at 8247.86 by 0718 GMT, while the midcap index FTSE 250 lost 0.1.

British bookmakers Flutter and Entain lost 7.3 and 14.2, respectively, after reports said that the new government is considering a 3billionpound 3.92 billion tax raid on gambling firms.

The travel and leisure sector dropped 2 after the news and was the biggest decliner amongst sectors.

The oil subsector lost 0.2 after data showed that China39;s inflation rate declined and a lack of clarity on the country39;s economic stimulus plans stoked fears about fuel demand.

Investors are bracing for a flood of key economic data from Britain, starting with payrolls and employment figures on Tuesday.

Consumer Price Index figures for September are due on Wednesday, with economists polled by Reuters expecting core CPI to ease to 3.4 on an annual basis. The Producer Price Index PPI figures are also scheduled for release on the same day.

British retail sales figures for September, set to be released on Friday, will wrap up the week39;s economic data.

Markets are also eyeing comments from Bank of England39;s Monetary Policy Committee member, Swati…