UK shares gain with corporate updates in focus

July 9 (Reuters) - The UK's main stock indexes rose on Wednesday, with investors focusing on a slate of corporate news while awaiting further updates on tariffs.

Both the blue-chip FTSE 100 .FTSE and the domestically oriented midcap index .FTMC added 0.2% by 0915 GMT.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced steep tariffs on copper imports on Tuesday, along with threatening soon-to-be-announced levies on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.

Copper prices came under pressure on the London Metal Exchange with precious metal miner .FTNMX551030 stocks under sectoral declines.

Hochschild HOCM.L slipped 3.7% and Fresnillo FRES.L was down 1%.

Media stocks .FTNMX403010 were the laggards on the index with advertising group WPP WPP.L slumping 16.6% to the bottom of the blue-chip after slashing its annual profit guidance.

Future FUTR.L slipped 3.3% with ITV ITV.L and 4imprint group FOUR.L was marginally down.

Pharmaceutical stocks .FTNMX452010 were in the red, with investors awaiting further updates on tariffs affecting the sector, as drugmakers AstraZeneca AZN.L and GSK GSK.L were marginally down.

Among individual stocks, low-cost airline Jet2 JET2.L shares lost almost 6% as global economic uncertainty and late bookings outweighed the company's annual increase in pre-tax profit.

British American Tobacco BATS.L was the top gainer on the blue-chip, adding 3.4% after Jefferies assumed coverage on global tobacco with a bullish view and called the company its top pick.

Energy services firm Hunting HTG.L jumped 10.3% to the top of the midcap index after launching a $40 million share buyback program and hiking its annual dividend growth target.

Lender Close Brothers CBRO.L fell 8.1% with the firm planning to streamline its premium finance business in a bid to save costs.

Commercial vehicle rental provider ZIGUP ZIG.L slumped 8.9% on lower annual profit.

Sustainable water solutions manufacturer Genuit Group GENG.L added 6.2% after a J.P. Morgan rating upgrade.

In company news, pub operator Young & Co's Brewery YNGa.L reported sales growth with warmer weather driving demand for its offerings.

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