Ashtead falls after ratings downgrade
Kainos Group jumps after Brendan Mooney39;s reappointment as CEO
U.S. CPI expected at 830 a.m. ET1330 GMT
FTSE 100 down 0.2, FTSE 250 down 0.2

Dec 11 Reuters The UK39;s benchmark FTSE 100 fell to a twoweek low on Wednesday, with Ashtead extending declines, while investors awaited U.S. inflation data that could cement the Federal Reserve39;s December rate cut.

The bluechip FTSE 100 and the midcap FTSE 250 fell 0.2 each at 0930 GMT.

Ashtead was the biggest drag on the bluechip index, falling 5.9 to a morethanfourmonth low after a 14 drop in the previous session, as Goldman Sachs downgraded the equipment rental company to neutral from buy. At least two other brokerages also cut their price target on the stock.

Medical equipment companies led the sectoral losses, dropping 1.3, while real estate investment trusts declined 0.8.

In contrast, precious metal miners added 1 as gold prices hovered near a twoweek peak due to escalating geopolitical tensions and U.S. rate cut expectations.

Investors worldwide focussed on a U.S. consumer price index report, due later in the day, for insight into inflation and the ensuing Fed39;s policy.

Traders widely expect a quarterpoint cut at the central bank39;s policy meeting next week.

Meanwhile, the Bank of England is expected to keep interest rates on hold next week, moving more slowly to cut borrowing costs than central banks in Europe and the U.S.

Friday39;s gross domestic product estimate…