The FTSE 100 edged up 0.3% this morning, following a mixed bag of data from Asia. China's consumer inflation rate dipped to 0.2% in November, signaling persistent economic woes. Meanwhile, Japan's economy grew by 0.3% in the third quarter, beating initial forecasts.

Back in the UK, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is gearing up to charm eurozone finance ministers, pushing for better post-Brexit ties with the EU. The UK government is also planning to revamp council planning committees to speed up housing development.

However, business confidence in the UK has hit a near two-year low, thanks to the recent budget and rising costs, according to the BDO optimism index for November.

In the corporate arena, AstraZeneca's Datopotamab deruxtecan snagged breakthrough therapy status in the US for non-small cell lung cancer, aiming to fast-track its development. Domino's Pizza Group unveiled a new five-year growth plan with franchise partners, eyeing substantial sales growth by 2028.

GSK PLC is basking in regulatory success for two of its products, Nucala and Blenrep. The US FDA has accepted data for review from a study on Nucala, a potential COPD treatment. If approved, it could be the first biologic treatment with monthly dosing for COPD. Moreover, GSK's Blenrep has been granted priority review in China for myeloma treatment.

Boohoo Group has garnered support from Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) in its spat with Frasers Group. ISS advised against Frasers Group's proposals, which include appointing Mike Ashley and Michael Lennon to Boohoo's board. Frasers Group, holding a 28% stake in Boohoo, claims Boohoo needs guidance and criticized its performance.

On the economic calendar, keep an ear out for Bank of England Deputy Governor Dave Ramsden's speech, which might shed light on the UK's economic outlook.

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