FTSE tipped to open higher on G20 agreement on currencies

PRE-OPEN REPORT: Headline shares are tipped to open 35 to 40 points higher, according to financial websites, after a G20 agreement on currencies, with insurers in focus on reports Co-op may sell its life arm.

In America on Friday, the Dow lost 14 points at 11,133, the Nasdaq Composite rose 20 points at 2,479 and the S&P500 shed 3 points at 1,183.

In Aisa today, the Nikkei was last up two points at 9,429, while the Hang Seng ended the morning ahead 221 points at 23,738.

Crude oil traded at $82.28 a barrel on Nymex and gold settled at $1,339 an ounce

In London, BBA Mortgage Lending data is due for release at 9.30am  and in a thin corporate diary, a trading statement is expected from own-brand household goods manufacturer Mcbride.

Goldplat, Mcbride, Pacific Horizon Investment Trust, Queenco Leisure International and Raven Russia all host their AGMs today.