Raft of firms set to release figures as Bank debates if more QE needed
THE biggest question for UK investors this week is whether the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will opt for more quantitative easing.
The decision, which will be announced on Thursday, comes after strong jobs and GDP data.
“Strong third quarter GDP data suggested that underlying growth was slightly stronger than previously thought and the MPC’s debate is starting to pay more attention to the inflationary consequences of the strong labour market. As such, we expect the MPC to bide its time and announce no further easing measures at the November meeting,” said Nomura’s Philip Rush.
A busy reporting week starts today with figures from HSBC, Ryanair, Hiscox, Weir Group and Inmarsat.
Tomorrow brings updates from G4S, InterContinental Hotels Groups, Marks and Spencer, Associated British Foods, Babcock International Group, and Mears Group.
On Wednesday Burberry, Vedanta Resources, Aer Lingus, Old Mutual and Randgold Resources will all update the market while Thursday will bring news from, among others, Aviva, Bumi, Cable & Wireless Communications, Dairy Crest, Experian, Flybe Group, JD Wetherspoon, Land Securities, Tate & Lyle, Supergroup, Trinity Mirror and 3i Infrastructure.
Also of note on Thursday is the European Central Bank interest rate decision and Eurogroup meeting on Greece.
Friday brings reports from Beazley, Hornby, Hammerson, Rentokil, Rolls Royce and Tullett Prebon.