Headline shares are tipped to open flat to slightly lower this morning, according to financial websites, in a week dominated by the UK General Election, with BP (LON:BP.) in focus on oil spillage woes. In the US last night, the Dow gained 143 points at 11,152, the Nasdaq Composite added 38 points at 2,499 and the S&P500 was up 16 points at 1,202. In Asia today, the Hang Seng headed to the midpoint ahead 18.8 points at 20,830.16. Japanese markets are closed for a holiday. Crude oil traded at $85.92 a barrel on Nymex. Gold settled at $1,180 an ounce.
LONDON MARKETS
UK Manufacturing PMI, UK Net Lending to Individuals, UK Final Mortgage Approvals and UK Money Supply data are all due for release at 9:30am. In the corporate diary for the day, interim results are due from Aberdeen Asset Management (LON:ADN) and Yamana Gold Inc (LON:YAU). Trading statements are expected from Aer Lingus Group Plc (LON:AERL) Group, G4s Plc (LON:GFS), Geong International (LON:GNG) and Standard Chartered (LON:STAN).
China Medical System Holdings, F&C Asset Management (LON:FCAM)& , Inmarsat (LON:ISAT), Lancashire Holdings, Norsk Hydro, RAB Capital (LON:RAB) and Rps Group (LON:RPS) host their AGMs.
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