FTSE 100 preview: Shares to continue rise
The FTSE 100 index is seen opening up on Friday, extending the previous session's advance in tandem with overnight gains on Wall Street and in Asia as commodity prices pushed ahead.
Friday feeling: Traders head for the weekend on the back of gains this week.
The UK blue chip index closed 32.50 points, 0.6% higher on Thursday at 5,955.99, adding to a strong rebound on Wednesday after a five-session losing streak, with energy issues and banks in the vanguard of the advance after commodities trader Glencore made its debut on Thursday.
US blue chips gained 0.4% on Thursday, also rebounding further after recent losses, with social networking group Linkedin making a strong market debut, more than doubling in price.
Asian equities carried on the improving picture for the markets on Friday, with Japan's Nikkei ending higher as the Bank of Japan kept interest rates on hold at the end of a two-day policy meeting despite warning that the economy will remain under strong downward pressure for the time being.
Commodity prices recovered in Asian trade, with copper up 0.3%, while oil also rose after falls on Thursday, with heavyweight miners and energy issues likely to benefit in London.
No important economic data is due for release in the UK or the United States on Friday.
'US jobless figures came in better than forecasted yesterday and helped lift markets but with no significant releases today, equity markets are set to stay within range ending the week positively and quietly as they await the weekend,' said Hamzeh Ajjour, a dealer at Capital Spreads.
Royal Dutch Shell said on Friday it has approved a final investment decision in Australia's Prelude floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.
British banks must stick to lending to small businesses or face extra taxes, Business Secretary Vince Cable said, as five of the main banks launched a £2.5bn equity fund to back growing companies, The Daily Telegraph said.
Rumours of a £7.8bn or £20 a share bid swirled around Smiths Group, according to the Daily Mail market report, with private equity firm Apax and 'friends' mooted as potential suitors.
There will be results today from Scottish & Southern Energy, Mitchells & Butlers and Future.
Most watched Money videos
- BMW's Vision Neue Klasse X unveils its sports activity vehicle future
- Ray Massey walks us through the new Ferrari 12Cilindri
- MailOnline asks Lexie Limitless 5 quick fire EV road trip questions
- 'Now even better': Nissan Qashqai gets a facelift for 2024 version
- Tesla unveils new Model 3 Performance - it's the fastest ever!
- Mercedes has finally unveiled its new electric G-Class
- BMW meets Swarovski and releases BMW i7 Crystal Headlights Iconic Glow
- Mail Online takes a tour of Gatwick's modern EV charging station
- 2025 Aston Martin DBX707: More luxury but comes with a higher price
- Land Rover unveil newest all-electric Range Rover SUV
- Blue Whale fund manager on the best of the Magnificent 7
- Mini celebrates the release of brand new all-electric car Mini Aceman
- Digital marketing firm Mission Group snubs takeover offer...
- BUSINESS LIVE: UK wage growth higher than forecast; Anglo...
- London estate agent known as Mr Super Prime to star in...
- Police not interested in shoplifting, says M&S as thefts...
- Marston's losses narrow amid hopes of summer sporting...
- I don't want smart meters, so Eon is charging me £316 to...
- Anglo American to restructure operations as it rejects...
- Greggs sales soar as baker's expansion plans roll on with...
- AJ Bell launches 'ready-made pension' to help savers find...
- Currys shares surge after profit guidance upgrade as...
- Virgin Money UK warns of pressure on profits ahead of...
- Investors ramp up bets against BT as new boss prepares to...
- Gamestop shares double as 'meme stock' social media...
- Cheaper energy deals could be back by winter as Ofgem...
- Car salespeople reveal their insider tips to buy and sell...
- Vodafone boss says 'more needs to be done' in...
- Headlam does not expect market growth 'until 2025'
- Santander offers £175 to switch your current account -...