FTSE preview: Shares up on Apple profit
The FTSE 100 is seen rising on Thursday following solid gains overnight on Wall Street and in Asia, with investor sentiment likely to receive a lift from forecast-beating earnings from Apple.
Eye on the market: Retail figures will provide impetus today.
The UK blue chip index looks set to gain 27 to 30 points, or as much as 0.5%, according to financial bookmakers, after it ended up 125.39 points, or 2.1%, at 6,022.26 on Wednesday.
A raft of UK corporate news is due for release, with a trading update from Anglo American among the highlights. Precious metals miners could find favour as gold powered to a lifetime high for a fifth consecutive session on Thursday, aided by a sharply weaker dollar.
Big earnings surprises boosted Wall Street on Wednesday. Investors had been set up for a series of disappointments but got an unexpected lift from blue chips Intel Corp and United Technologies Corp.
The trend of positive earnings continued after the market's close, with Apple advancing after a blowout quarter that surged past expectations. Revenue for the tech giant rose 83% year-over-year.
In terms of domestic economic data, UK March retail sales data is scheduled for release. Retail sales volumes are seen falling for a second month running after a survey by the British Retail Consortium showed that retail sales values posted their steepest annual drop in at least 16 years in March due to the late timing of Easter and consumers' reluctance to spend.
Investors will also look at UK March public sector finances. Economists expect public sector net borrowing to have stayed largely at last year's level in March. On the other side of the Atlantic, US weekly jobless claims are due.
There will be updates today from Anglo American, Autonomy Corp, Elementis, Persimmon, Sports Direct and William Hill.
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