UK Stocks - Factors to watch on Sept 11

 

Britain's FTSE 100 index is seen opening 24-29 points, or as much as 0.6 percent higher on Friday, tracking gains overnight on Wall Street and in Asia as strong Chinese economic data supported regional recovery hopes.

The UK blue chip index closed 16.62 points, or 0.3 percent lower on Thursdayat 4,987.68, having closed above 5,000 for the first time since late September 2008 the previous session.

The FTSE 100 has risen about 44 percent since hitting a six-year trough in March, though is still down almost 8 percent from its level in mid-September 2008 before the collapse of Lehman Brothers.

On the economics front, UK producer prices data for August are scheduled for release at 0830 GMT.

Expectations are for PPI output to rise 0.1 percent on the month, following a 0.3 percent rise in July, giving a 0.5 percent year-on-year decrease, which would follow a 1.3 percent decline the previous month.

Later in the day, investors' attention will be drawn across the Atlantic, to the University of Michigan September consumer sentiment data, U.S. import/export prices for August, U.S. wholesale inventories/sales for July, and the U.S.Federal budget for August.

* GLOBAL MARKETS-China data buoys Asia shares, dollar falls

* Nikkei slips after futures settlement, yen hurts

* Wall St gains for 5th day on upbeat company news

* FOREX-Dollar hits 1-yr lows after stronger China data

* TREASURIES-Bonds rally on robust 30-year debt auction

* Oil above $72, rises fifth day after IEA ups outlook

* PRECIOUS-Gold edges up, weak dollar supports

* METALS-LME copper jumps after China data, dollar fall

UK stocks to watch on Friday:

PRUDENTIAL

The British insurer will look to Asia as a source of capital and could even seek to raise equity there, Chief Executive-Elect Tidjane Thiam said in a Financial Times report on Friday.

CADBURY

Hershey could make a bid to take over the British-based chocolate and chewing-gum maker without the Milton Hershey Trust having to give up its controlling stake in the U.S. company, J.P. Morgan said in a research note on Thursday.

ITV

The broadcaster is to bring in a "double compliance" procedure to ensure its programmes do not breach Ofcom's broadcasting code, said The Daily Telegraph.

JD WETHERSPOON

The pubs group posts full-year results.

STHREE

The staffing firm issues a trading update.

DAEJAN HOLDINGS

The property company holds its annual general meeting.

INTELEK

The electronic systems designer holds its annual general meeting.

LATCHWAYS

The fall protection safety systems company holds its annual general meeting.