Today's top story: Article 50 deadline extension discussed in Brussels amid cliff-edge fears
Today's leader: Brussels fines Google as the war continues
US stocks were boosted last night by solid earnings figures and an optimistic take on the US economy from Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell.
The S&P closed at a five month high while the Dow ended with a fifth positive close in a row.
Asian shares were boosted today by US corporate earnings and investor confidence with MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rising 0.32 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei advanced 0.3 per cent.
However, currencies suffered as continued trade war worries hit confidence – China's yuan hit its lowest level against the dollar since July 2017.
The pound, similarly, has been under pressure in recent days, hitting a 10-month low, of $1.3068 on Wednesday ahead of key UK retail sales data this morning.
London Capital Group predicts the FTSE will open up two points on 7,678, Germanys Dax will open down 14 points on 12,751 and Frances Cac will open nine points lower at 5,438.
Corporate news
- Sports Direct– has its final results today.
- Unilever– is announcing its interim financial results this morning.
- Mothercare – is announcing a trading update this morning ahead of its annual general meeting (AGM) today.
- Royal Mail – has its AGM today.
Data
- 09.30 – UK retail sales.
