FTSE preview: Barclays reports, inflation due
The FTSE 100 is seen opening flat, continuing Monday's cautious performance after mixed showings overnight on Wall Street and in Asia, with investors awaiting the latest British inflation data.
Taking stock: Inflation data will set the mood.
The UK blue chip index closed 2.81 points, or 0.1% lower on Monday at 6,060.09, as weakness in financials on revived worries over Europe's sovereign debt situation prevailed over a rally by miners on upbeat economic data from China.
US blue chips slipped back on Monday, although gains by energy and commodity shares saw the broader S&P 500 post modest gains, but the lowest volume so far this year indicated the equity rally may be near a top.
Asian stocks rose slightly on Tuesday after China's closely-watched inflation data failed to surprise markets.
Chinese consumer price inflation accelerated to 4.9% in the year to January, matching the widespread figure that swirled through markets on Monday, but lower than the earlier consensus forecast of 5.3%.
Analysts remained wary about a build-up in China's price pressures, saying Beijing could further tighten monetary policy, given continued rises in food prices.
British annualised CPI inflation, due at 09.30, is seen rising to 4.0% in January, up from 3.7% in December, though the month-on-month increase is seen at 0.1%, down from 1.0% rise in December.
Across the Atlantic, January US retail sale numbers will be released, with the February Empire State Index due at the same time.
There will be results today from Barclays, British Land, IntercontinentalHotels, Pennon Group, Yell Group, Premier Foods, Dominos Pizza, Albemarle & Bond, Micro Focus International, Quarto Group and Electric Word.
Reader service: Free brochure guides
Completely free insider guides on the latest investing trends...
Most watched Money videos
- The new Volkswagen Passat - a long range PHEV that's only available as an estate
- Leapmotor T03 is set to become Britain's cheapest EV from 2025
- 2025 Aston Martin DBX707: More luxury but comes with a higher price
- Mail Online takes a tour of Gatwick's modern EV charging station
- 'Now even better': Nissan Qashqai gets a facelift for 2024 version
- MailOnline asks Lexie Limitless 5 quick fire EV road trip questions
- BMW's Vision Neue Klasse X unveils its sports activity vehicle future
- Tesla unveils new Model 3 Performance - it's the fastest ever!
- Mercedes has finally unveiled its new electric G-Class
- Mini celebrates the release of brand new all-electric car Mini Aceman
- Mini Cooper SE: The British icon gets an all-electric makeover
- Land Rover unveil newest all-electric Range Rover SUV
- United Utilities revenues near £1.9bn thanks to higher...
- BT proves investors wrong as shares soar 17% in boost for...
- The future of the Royal Mail is not just a matter for the...
- Stock market chief insists there is a 'strong cause for...
- EasyJet boss to step down as airline reveals it raked in...
- BT Group ups dividend despite losing almost...
- Watches of Switzerland defies luxury slowdown with...
- Ambrosia owner Premier Foods profits boosted by...
- Sage Group shares suffer 'hyperbolic' sell-off as group...
- Future shares jump after publisher declares £45m share...
- Superdrug unveils plans to open 25 new stores this year -...
- Reality TV stars charged by City watchdog over...
- Time to wind back the tourist tax, says Watches of...
- Turbulence at Easyjet as boss stands down sending share...
- Almost 80% of pension savers are raiding their pots early...
- Barclays and HSBC cut mortgage rates: Is the tide turning?
- Another stink at United Utilities: Water giant pays £340m...
- Drivers are being stung at the pumps by fuel retailers...