Hong Kong-listed robotics stocks extended gains into the close: Laifu Xiebo (03952.HK) rose more than 50%, Estun (02715.HK) rose over 30%, while UBTECH (09880.HK) and Zhaowei Electromechanical (02692.HK) also advanced.

Bank of England MPC member Mann said she is prepared to take “active” rate hikes if inflation expectations and other price signals do not improve later this year. She backs keeping Bank Rate at 3.75% for now but warned inflation could become embedded. Mann said she will watch H2 data closely to prevent rising prices feeding into wage settlements and inflation expectations. Energy price moves, profit‑margin shifts and the backdrop for 2027 wage negotiations will be critical in judging whether current cost pressures embed. “I believe, if outcomes are adverse for the inflation process, active rate hikes can push inflation expectations and actual outcomes back toward the 2% target,” she said.

European equities extended gains: Germany's DAX up about 1% intraday, France's CAC40 near 1%, the Stoxx Europe 50 +0.8% and Spain's IBEX35 +1.2%.