UK Stocks-Factors to watch on September 17

• Debenhams DEBS.L reported a rise in first-half core profit, helped by its shift to a marketplace model and a return to growth at key brands.

• Drax DRX.L said it expects full-year adjusted core profit at the top end of market consensus, as a summer heatwave fuelled demand.

• AstraZeneca unveiled an investment of nearly 200 million yuan to upgrade its production and supply base in Wuxi, China.

• BP's BP.L Whiting refinery experienced a release earlier, which has been isolated and controlled, according to the refinery's Facebook page. BP said its Whiting refinery representatives would meet with the USW union Local 7-1 for a second round of talks to reach a new labour agreement.

• Miner MMG 1208.HK is willing to guarantee long-term ferronickel supplies to European customers as it seeks to rescue its acquisition of Anglo American's AAL.L Brazilian nickel business from mounting EU regulatory opposition, a company executive told Reuters.

• Revolut has had no direct contact or demand from the individuals or group claiming responsibility for a data breach, a spokesperson told Reuters.

The Bank of England looks set to keep interest rates on hold but investors are watching for any hint that surging energy prices could force it to raise borrowing costs like the U.S. Fed.

Oil prices eased in Asian trade, gold prices rose, and copper rose.