FTSE tipped to start with firm gains ahead of rate decision

PRE-OPEN REPORT: Headline shares are tipped to open 35 to 40 points higher today, according to financial websites, picking up on positive moves in Asia, with BAE a likely focus on reports of more job cuts.
In the US last night, the Dow rose 13 points at 11,372, the Nasdaq Composite added 11 points at 2,609 and the S&P500 advanced five points at 1,228.
In Asia today, the Nikkei was last up 51 points at 10,283, while the Hang Seng ended the morning ahead 65 points at 23,157.
Crude oil traded at £56.21 a barrel on Nymex and gold settled at £877.01 an ounce.
The Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee announces the results of its latest deliberations on UK interest rates at 12 noon.
In the corporate diary today, interim results are due from Ashtead Group, DS Smith, HMV Group, Park Group, Photo-Me International and Premier Farnell.
Final results are scheduled from CareTech Holding and Titon Holdings and trading statements are expected from IG Group Holdings and Rank Group.
AIM Investments, Air Partner, Altona Energy, Baobab Resources, ClearStream Technologies Group, Eurovestech, Quadrise Fuels International and Renewable Energy Generation host their AGMs.