FTSE 100 preview: Shares edge higher
The FTSE 100 is seen inching higher today, with moves across global markets limited in thin trading, but investors awaited domestic and US data for clues on the economic outlook.
Market watchers: Trading is expected to be thin.
The Footsie is seen adding 10 points, or around 0.2%, after it ended down 0.9% on Thursday to close at 5,302.87.
Investors will watch UK retail sales data for July to try and assess the level of consumer demand as the austerity measures from the coalition government begin to bite.
Sales are expected to be up 0.4% on the month, but down from a 0.7% rise the previous month.
Money supply data and public borrowing requirement data will also be watched.
Investors will look to get more clues on the shape of the economy with the release of the Confederation of British Industry industrial trends survey which gauges moves in factory orders.
Across the Atlantic, weekly jobs data will be released at while the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank will release its business activity index.
In a sign that tough times lie ahead, Poundland, Europe's largest single price discount retailer, posted soaring year profit but warned consumers face a painful squeeze on their finances this winter as public sector cuts and tax rises start to bite.
BHP Billiton is focusing on getting regulatory approval for its $39bn hostile bid for Potash Corp before trying in earnest to win over the Canadian company's shareholders, a source said on Thursday.
Indian state-run explorer Oil and Natural Gas Corp may seek to operate oil fields in the western state of Rajasthan currently operated by Vedanta Resources target Cairn India, the Financial Express reported, without saying where it got the information.
A US judge approved on Wednesday giant British bank Barclays' $298m settlement of charges that it had violated US trade sanctions, a day after he criticized the agreement as a 'sweetheart deal.'
BP has more testing ahead before it can finally kill its ruptured Gulf of Mexico oil well, the top official overseeing the spill response said on Wednesday.
The Daily Mail's market report notes revived takeover speculation surrounding broadcaster ITV, with talk of a US cash bid worth around £3.7bn, or 95p a share.
Thewre will be updates today from Essar Energy, Chrysalis Group, Cineworld Group, CLS Holdings, Hardy Oil and Gas, John Menzies, Quarto Group, TT Electronics, and Wellstream Holdings.
Most watched Money videos
- Skoda reveals Skoda Epiq as part of an all-electric car portfolio
- Mini celebrates the release of brand new all-electric car Mini Aceman
- How to invest for income and growth: SAINTS' James Dow
- The new Volkswagen Passat - a long range PHEV that's only available as an estate
- Mini unveil an electrified version of their popular Countryman
- BMW meets Swarovski and releases BMW i7 Crystal Headlights Iconic Glow
- Iconic Dodge Charger goes electric as company unveils its Daytona
- 'Now even better': Nissan Qashqai gets a facelift for 2024 version
- Blue Whale fund manager on the best of the Magnificent 7
- Tesla unveils new Model 3 Performance - it's the fastest ever!
- Mercedes has finally unveiled its new electric G-Class
- How to invest to beat tax raids and make more of your money
- House prices fall for second month due to higher mortgage...
- BUSINESS LIVE: Shell beats forecasts; Fed holds interest...
- Booming Next closes in on £1bn profit milestone with...
- Mulberry sales plunge as slower demand casts a shadow...
- Smith & Nephew rocked as 43% of investors rebel over fat...
- Premium Bonds winning numbers for May 2024 - see all the...
- Britain must go it alone when it comes to interest rates,...
- Fresh blow for City as Flutter votes to move main listing...
- I'm 'very well paid', says Glaxo boss Emma Walmsley
- Change stamp duty so it's easier to move up and down...
- US drugs giant Pfizer posts a drop in sales in a...
- The £80bn takeover feeding frenzy: Bids for UK firms soar
- The best investment of last year? Premium Bond saver wins...
- Customers are shying away from big ticket purchases, says...
- Britain's manufacturing sector suffers downturn amid...
- MARKET REPORT: Aston Martin shares in reverse as sales...
- Young people more likely to quit their JOB than their...
- US Federal Reserve forced to calm fears over rate hikes