UK Stocks-Factors to watch on December 9

Dec 9 (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 .FTSE index is seen opening lower on Tuesday, with futures FFIc1 down 0.03%.

* BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO: British American Tobacco BATS.L said it expects 2026 trading to come in at the lower end of its mid-term targets, as the company grapples with regulatory hurdles and stiff competition in the U.S.

ASHTEAD: British construction equipment rental firm Ashtead AHT.L announced a $1.5 billion share buyback programme, which would coincide with its primary listing moving to the New York Stock Exchange in March 2026.

CONSUMER SPENDING: British consumers kept a tight rein on their spending in November as they awaited finance minister Rachel Reeves' budget, while retailers said Black Friday sales disappointed, according to surveys.

UNILEVER: Unilever ULVR.L said it will consolidate its shares at a ratio of eight new shares for nine existing shares, after it completed the demerger of its ice cream business Magnum MICC.N.

INFLATION: British inflation is likely to return to its 2% target "in the near term" as wage growth and inflation in the services sector look set to slow further, Bank of England policymaker Alan Taylor said.

ALDI: Britons feeling the pinch are spreading the cost of Christmas by shopping earlier and swapping festive meals out for dining in, the boss of the UK arm of German discounter Aldi said.

COMMODITIES: Oil prices edged down on Tuesday, extending losses from the 2% drop in the previous session, gold edged down, and copper eased from a record high.

For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on: LIVE/

TODAY'S UK PAPERS
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