FTSE 100, FTSE 250 flat
ECB rate decision due at 1215 GMT

Oct 17 Reuters The UK39;s main stock indexes were steady on Thursday as investors braced for the European Central Bank39;s interest rate decision, while Rentokil kept losses from exdividend stocks in check.

The bluechip FTSE 100 was little changed at 8,328.70 by 0746 GMT, and the midcap FTSE 250 index also traded flat at 20,969.57.

Industrial metal miners, weighed heavily on the benchmark, losing 1.3, following a drop in base metal prices.

Smiths Group lost 2.1, Persimmon fell 2.3 while Howden Joinery dropped 1.5 as they traded without entitlement to their latest dividend payout.

The euphoria of Britain39;s inflation falling below the Bank of England target driving both indexes to multiweek highs in the previous session was shortlived.

Investors awaited the ECB39;s rate decision, due at 1215 GMT, where it is expected to lower rates by 25 basis points. Traders will also focus on commentary from ECB39;s President Christine Lagarde.

Smiths Group lost 2.1, Persimmon fell 2.3 while Howden Joinery dropped 1.5 as they traded without entitlement to their latest dividend payout.

The euphoria of Britain39;s inflation falling below the Bank of England target driving both indexes to multiweek highs in the previous session was shortlived.

Investors awaited the ECB39;s rate decision, due at 1215 GMT, where it is expected to lower rates by 25 basis points. Traders will also focus on commentary from ECB39;s President…