PRE-OPEN REPORT: Headline shares are tipped to open five to 10 points lower, according to financial websites, with trading likely to be cautious ahead of publication of the latest UK GDP figures, with a sharp slowdown predicted.
In the US last night, the Dow rose 31 points at 11,164, the Nasdaq Composite added 11 points at 2,491 and the S&P500 was up 3 points at 1,186.
In Asia today, the Nikkei was last up 34 points at 9,435, while the Hang Seng ended the morning down 17 points at 23,611.
Crude oil traded at £52.25 ($82.35) a barrel on Nymex and gold settled at £849.65 ($1,339) an ounce.
Investors will be cautious ahead of UK GDP numbers due for release at 9:30am, with analysts predicting a slowing in growth to 0.4%, down from 1.2% previously.
In the corporate diary for the day, interim results are due from ARM Holdings, Braemar Shipping Services and LiDCO Group. A trading statement is expected from Go-Ahead Group.
Active Capital Trust, Global Special Opportunities Trust Income Shares, Indus Gas, JPMorgan Overseas Inv Trust, Lucky Cement, Murray Income Trust and Savile Group host their AGMs.
For the latest AIM and FTSE news, plus the West Midlands risers and fallers, go to our Shares & Markets section.Click here
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