FTSE seen opening lower
The FTSE 100 .FTSE index is seen opening 3 to 8 points lower on Monday, according to financial bookmakers, having closed down 57.2 points, or 1.1 percent at 5,354.7 in the previous session.
FTSE gains as metals spur minersInvestors will focus on first-half results from global banking group HSBC for further clues on the health of financial institutions amid a global credit crunch, and U.S. personal consumption expenditure data, the Federal Reserve's preferred measure of inflation, which is due at 1:30 p.m..
This week the Fed, the Bank of England and the European Central Bank are set to announce their respective interest rate verdicts. Analysts expect all three to stay on hold.
In the UK, confidence among manufacturers has fallen in every region as companies struggle with the soaring cost of raw materials, a CBI survey showed, the Times said.
UK stocks to watch on Monday are:
CENTRICA, BRITISH ENERGY
Centrica may revive plans for a 22.5 billion pound all-paper merger with British Energy after French group EDF's takeover of the nuclear operator stalled on Friday, the Sunday Telegraph said.
The Times said the UK government is expected to put intense pressure on EDF to table an improved offer to buy British Energy after its 12 billion pound bid for the nuclear power company was snubbed by shareholders at the last minutes.
HSBC
The banking group is due to issue its first half results.
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