The FTSE 100 ended almost unchanged on Wednesday, rising 0.02%, as escalating Iran-related tensions and signs of slowing UK growth offset gains elsewhere in Europe. Sterling fell 0.7% against the dollar to 1.3249, around its lowest level since late June, while stronger-than-expected US PMI data and hawkish Federal Reserve comments supported the dollar. S&P Global's flash UK composite output PMI fell to 51.7 in September from 52.5 in August, a three-month low and below the 52.0 consensus forecast, as services activity slowed and price pressures intensified. Manufacturing PMI rose to 52.0 from 51.7, although output growth weakened. Markets priced roughly a 60% chance of a 25-basis-point Bank of England rate increase on November 5, one week after John Healey's budget. Geopolitical tensions lifted oil prices, while gold declined, and JD Sports maintained its full-year profit guidance after stronger first-half margins and adjusted profit offset weak sales.