* NEXT: British fashion retailer Next reported a better-than-expected 5.7% rise in annual profit and said its selling price inflation for the current year was set to be more benign than previously thought. Next said on Tuesday it bought struggling retailer Cath Kidston from its administrators for 8.5 million pounds.
* UK TREASURY: Britain's No. 2 Treasury official said that he does not have any immediate concerns about the execution of Switzerland's Credit Suisse rescue by UBS but will monitor the deal closely, reiterating that UK banks are "very resilient."
* AI REGULATION: Britain plans to split responsibility for governing
artificial intelligence between its regulators for human rights, health and
safety, and competition, rather than creating a new body dedicated to the
technology.
* OIL: Crude prices rose for a third session as a halt to some exports from
Iraqi Kurdistan raised concerns of tightening supplies and fears of a global
banking crisis eased.
* GOLD: Gold prices dropped as easing worries over a potential bigger
fallout from the global banking crisis increased appetite for riskier assets and
dampened demand for the safe-haven metal.
* METALS: Copper edged down during Asian trading hours as investors remained
cautious following weeks of volatility in financial markets due to turmoil in
the banking sector, although fears of a full-blown crisis have eased.
* For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on: TODAY'S UK PAPERS > Financial Times > Other business headlines (Reporting by Prerna Bedi in Bengaluru)
