Global markets saw a deepening sell-off in AI and chip-related stocks, with Asian shares in South Korea and Japan among those hit as investors reassessed the sector's rapid gains. The retreat followed a report that China has begun mass production of homegrown deep ultraviolet (DUV) chipmaking tools, which analysts said unsettled markets by suggesting China is closing the technology gap with Western semiconductor equipment makers.

Elsewhere in UK corporate news, Barclays reported a 17% rise in first-half pre-tax profit to £6.1bn, beating analyst forecasts of £5.9bn, driven by strong equities trading (up 45% to £1.26bn) and investment banking fees (up 32% to £747m), though bad-loan impairment charges rose to £1.4bn. The bank also raised its full-year income guidance and announced a £1bn share buyback alongside a larger dividend, while the TUC urged the government to raise the bank tax to help fund energy support for households.