PRE-OPEN REPORT: Headline shares are tipped to open 31 to 36 points higher today, according to financial websites, with interim numbers from pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca and oil major Shell in focus.
In the US last night, the Dow fell 43 points at 11,126, the Nasdaq Composite added 6 points at 2,503 and the S&P500 shed three points at 1,182.
In Asia today, the Nikkei was last down 15 points at 9,372, while the Hang Seng ended the morning up 64 points at 23,229.
Crude oil traded at £51.80 ($81.98) a barrel on Nymex and gold settled at £838.06 ($1,326) an ounce.
In the corporate diary for the day, interim results are due from AstraZeneca, Axis-Shield, Banco Santander, BP Marsh and Partners, Hansen Transmissions International, Noida Toll Bridge Company, Rugby Estates and Royal Dutch Shell.
Final results are scheduled from Mouchel Group and Namakwa Diamonds.
Trading statements are expected from Aggreko, Arriva, Axis-Shield, Pace, Premier Foods, Promethean World, RPS Group and TT Electronics.
Alumasc Group, Argos Resources, Ashmore Group, Cubus Lux, Go-Ahead Group, Murgitroyd Group and Wm Ransom and Son 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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