FTSE 100 up 0.2, FTSE 250 down 0.14
SThree falls on profit warning
Diageo up on rating upgrade
ECB decision at 1315 GMT

Dec 12 Reuters Britain39;s FTSE 100 index rose on Thursday, boosted by Diageo after a brokerage upgrade, while SThree weighed on the midcap index as it dropped to a more than fouryear low on a profit warning.

The benchmark FTSE 100 was up 0.2 and the midcap FTSE 250 fell 0.14 at 0930 GMT.

Leading the bluechip index39;s gains was Diageo which rose 3.3 after brokerage UBS upgraded the spirit maker39;s rating to 39;buy39; from 39;sell39;, helping the beverages sector lead sectoral gains with a 2.9 rise.

SThree tumbled 23 after the recruiter warned about the current financial year profit, citing tough hiring market conditions amid increased political and macroeconomic uncertainty, particularly in Europe.

In contrast, Auction Technology gained 7 after private equity firm TA Associates agreed to sell 15.3 million shares in the online auction operator at 5.50 pounds per share.

Currys advanced 11.7 as the electricals retailer maintained its annual profit growth forecast and reported a return to firsthalf profit.

Meanwhile, the European Central Bank is all but certain to cut interest rates again on Thursday and signal further easing in 2025 as inflation across the euro zone is nearly back at target and the economy is faltering.

On the other hand, the Bank of England is expected to hold rates at its meeting next week. Its governor Andrew Bailey earlier…