Global stock markets rocked by potential US crackdown on chipmakers

Unconfirmed report says Biden considering sweeping regulation to further restrict sales of equipment to China

Global stocks fell on Wednesday as technology shares sank after a report said the US plans tighter import controls on companies that share chipmaking technology with China.

London's FTSE 100 edged 0.1% higher to 8,169.24 as data showed the inflation rate remained steady at the Bank of England's 2% target in June. That hit hopes for a central bank rate cut, though the better-than-expected data pushed the British pound above $1.30 early on Wednesday.