FTSE 100 dips as miners fall on weak China GDP; PayPal surges on takeover bid news.

The FTSE 100 index fell slightly, dragged down by mining stocks reacting to China's slower GDP growth of 4.3% in Q2, its weakest in three years. Despite this, oil prices remained steady amid US-Iran tensions. PayPal shares jumped over 14% following reports of a $53 billion takeover bid by Stripe and Advent International. Other market highlights include mixed UK company updates, US tech sector volatility, and ongoing concerns about UK stock market competitiveness and government policy under incoming PM Andy Burnham. Investors are watching closely for further economic signals and corporate earnings.