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* Brexit talks to continue past Johnson's deadline
* Upbeat earnings prop up investor sentiment
* ASOS slips on cautious consumer demand outlook
* FTSE 100 falls 0.6%, FTSE 250 adds 0.3%
(Updates to close)
By Devik Jain
Oct 14 (Reuters) - The FTSE 100 slipped on Wednesday as signs of progress in Brexit talks boosted sterling, putting pressure on companies that are big exporters, while a clutch of upbeat corporate earnings limited declines.
The export-heavy FTSE 100 .FTSE ended 0.6% lower on declines in pharmaceutical .FTNMX4570 and bank .FTNMX8350 stocks.
The mid-cap FTSE 250 .FTMC , considered a barometer for Brexit sentiment, added 0.3% after sources and documents said the European Union and Britain were set to continue negotiations on a Brexit trade deal beyond an Oct. 15 deadline set by Prime Minister Boris Johnson. fact that talks are going to continue suggests there is appetite on both sides for a deal and removes a certain amount of anxiety because there is no immediately pressing deadline to worry about," Connor Campbell, financial analyst at Spreadex, said.
After riding a global surge in equity markets on hopes of more stimulus, the FTSE 100 has come under pressure this week on growing domestic political frictions about new coronavirus restrictions to contain a surge in infections.
Johnson on Wednesday resisted a national lockdown and said he would stick to his localised approach, responding to opposition leader Keir Starmer's demand for a temporary national shutdown. company news, money manager Ashmore Group Plc ASHM.L jumped 7.7% after the company said a rise in assets under management during the first quarter more than offset net outflows. shares of Just Eat Takeaway.com NV JETJ.L rose 6.4% as the food-ordering company reported a 46% jump in its orders during the third quarter. biggest homebuilder, Barratt Developments Plc BDEV.L gained 1.7% after posting a near 17% jump in forward sales for the past three months, helping the broader sectoral index .FTNMX3720 gain 0.3%.
But online fashion retailer ASOS Plc ASOS.L tumbled 10.3% as it said it was cautious on the outlook for consumer demand.