UK Market News

Thursday October 29, 07:15 AM
UK at a Glance-UK Stocks -- Factors to watch on Oct 29

LONDON, Oct 29 (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 index is seen opening 30 points, or 0.6 percent, lower on Thursday, according to financial bookmakers, tracking a steep decline on Wall Street and falls in Asia after weak U.S. data on new home sales heightened concerns about the pace of economic recovery. The FTSE 100 closed down 120.55 points at 5,080.42 on Wednesday, on the 80th anniversary of the 'Black Monday' stock market crash of 1929, and posted its biggest one-day percentage fall since July 2. The main macro focus by far on Thursday will be on U.S. third-quarter GDP numbers, which will give investors a further idea as to the durability of the perceived recovery, after a shock fall in UK Q3 GDP on Friday. According to a Reuters poll of 77 economists, the U.S. economy is expected to have grown 3.3 percent at an annualised rate in the third quarter, after shrinking 0.7 percent in the second. U.S. jobless claims for the week ending 24 Oct. will also come under scrutiny. In terms of domestic economic news, figures on UK mortgage lending and UK money supply will be eyed by investors. Talks between Britain's postal union and Royal Mail management have stalled and a fresh wave of strikes will go ahead this week, the union said on Wednesday. * GLOBAL MARKETS-Asia shares hit by growth worries; yen up * Nikkei (news) falls below 10,000 to 3-week low; JAL (Berlin: JAY.BE - news) jumps * Wall St tumbles on recovery woes; S&P sheds Oct gain * FOREX-Yen climb steepens as profits booked on risk trades * TREASURIES-Steady in Asia before Q3 GDP, 7-year auction * Oil extends decline toward $77, eyes U.S. GDP data * Gold hovers at $1,030/oz, ETF holdings dip for 3rd day * Shanghai copper hits 1-wk low on dollar, demand concern UK stocks to watch on Thursday: ROYAL DUTCH SHELL (Amsterdam: RDSA.AS - news) The oil major reports third-quarter results. ASTRAZENECA (LSE: AZN.L - news) The drugmaker posts Q3 results. RIO TINTO (LSE: RIO.L - news) The global miner is looking to mend relations with Chinese metals firm Chinalco by making a joint investment in Mongolia's Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mine project, an Australian newspaper said on Thursday. LLOYDS BANKING GROUP (LSE: LLOY.L - news) British finance minister Alistair Darling will allow the part-nationalised bank to test its capital-raising plans in the market and formally appoint underwriters, the Financial Times said on Thursday. STAGECOACH, NATIONAL EXPRESS (LSE: NEX.L - news) British bus and rail group Stagecoach said rival National Express has decided not to pursue proposals for a merger. LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE (LSE: LSE.L - news) The bourse operator and shareholders in trading platform Turquoise are expected to reach a deal within two weeks which will result in a new joint venture, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday. CAIRN ENERGY (Virt-X: CNE1.VX - news) The oil explorer issues a trading update. KAZAKHMYS (LSE: KAZ.L - news) The copper producer issues Q3 production figures. STANDARD LIFE (LSE: SL.L - news) The insurer issues a trading update. BLACKS LEISURE The outdoor goods retailer's attempts to restructure its store portfolio have been met with opposition from landlords, reported The Times. BHP BILLITON (LSE: BLT.L - news) The miner holds its annual general meeting. CSR The wireless chip maker reports Q3 results. ARRIVA The bus and rail operator issues a trading update. GO-AHEAD GROUP The transport group holds its annual general meeting. LAIRD GROUP (LSE: 392145.L - news) The electronics group issues a trading update. RPS GROUP (LSE: RPS.L - news) The environmental consultancy issues a trading update. ASHMORE GROUP (LSE: ASHM.L - news) The emerging markets fund specialist holds its annual general meeting. SCOTT WILSON GROUP The design and engineering consultancy issues a trading update. LIDCO GROUP (LSE: LID.L - news) The heart monitoring specialist posts first-half results. NAMAKWA DIAMONDS (LSE: NAD.L - news) The diamond miner posts full-year results. PHOTO-ME INTERNATIONAL The photo booth maker holds its annual general meeting. AXIS (Stockholm: AXIS.ST - news) -SHIELD The diagnostics company issues a trading update. TODAY'S UK PAPERS > Financial Times > Other business headlines (Reporting by Tricia Wright) Keywords: MARKETS BRITAIN FACTORS