Today's top story: Scottish government accused of 'Alice in Wonderland' politics after court hears fracking ban doesn't actually exist
Today's leader: Whatever the weather, Next sticks to its guns
After a frantic Super Thursday yesterday, which saw the Bank of England hold interest rates as it released its latest Inflation Report and a flurry of companies update the market, Friday is set to be much quieter.
The FTSE 100 is seen as opening 14 points higher, while Germany's Dax is poised to start 19 points up and France's Cac 40 down nine points, according to IG.
US stock rallied overnight, as US inflation fell short of expectations, helping the pound claw back some lost ground against the dollar after a Bank of England-inspired sell-off yesterday. The pound was hovering around $1.352 at the time of writing.
In what is otherwise a quiet day, European Central Bank President Mario Draghi could provide some excitement when he gives his State of the Union address in Florence.
"Draghi is expected to talk up the eurozone economy, despite economic data starting to prelude to a slowdown in momentum," said LCG's Jasper Lawler.
"Yet even if the message is talking up the economy we expect him to do so in a cautious tone. His overriding message will most likely support the idea that stimulus in the bloc is set to continue for a while."
Overnight in Asia, all major markets were on the up after oil prices remained steadily high and following the US inflation data.
Corporate news
- BBA Aviation is set to give a trading update.
- Afarak Group will release first-quarter results, after the alloys producer issued a profit warning last week.
- Harbourvest Global Private Equity, the listed investment fund, will release full-year results.
Data
- 13.30 – US Fed's Bullard speech
- 14.15 – European Central Bank's President Draghi State of the Union speech
