Investors shake off virus impact as shares hit new highs

European and US stock indices pushed back to record highs on Wednesday, as investors continue to pile into equities, shrugging off fears about the coronavirus’s potential impact on growth. These were the day’s top stories:

• UK consumer price inflation rose to 1.8pc, marking the first increase in six months

• Businesses warned they would face ‘critical’ worker shortages under new immigration rules

• Metro Bank said its interim chief has agreed to stay on permanently

• Qatar Airways upped its stake in IAG

• Laura Ashley avoided a cash crunch