Reserve Bank data showed broad annual commodity-price gains despite iron ore and alumina being exceptions, while the Australian-dollar index rose just 0.1% in August.

Manufacturing earnings led the increase as ordinary profits climbed 57%, while non-manufacturing profits rose 9.8% and capital spending increased only 1.6%.

Foreign buyers completed £25.4 billion of UK acquisitions in Q2, up £9.7 billion from Q1, even as the number of inward deals fell to 162.

KPN drew more than €2.5 billion of orders for a €500 million perpetual hybrid and launched a tender for its 6.00% 2022 hybrid.

The Swiss connectivity group has brought Ingun into its Industry segment, adding test probes and fixture systems to a business that posted strong first-half growth.