(Reuters) -UK’s FTSE 100 was flat on Wednesday as losses in heavyweight banks were offset by rising energy shares, while investors focus on a Bank of England interest rate decision and more corporate earnings later this week.

The blue-chip FTSE 100 held steady at 9712.2 points by 1126 GMT; the FTSE 250 midcap index was also flat.

Heavyweight oil and gas stocks rose 0.3%, tracking firm crude oil prices. Trimming gains on the broader index were banks, with Standard Chartered and Barclays down about 1% each.

Precious metal miners were among the top declining sectors, falling 2%, while personal goods led gains with a 1.6% rise.

Looking ahead, the Bank of England is widely expected to hold rates steady on Thursday, though recent softer inflation and wage data could strengthen the case for a

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