US markets will remain closed today for the Labor Day holiday.

ASIAN MARKETS

In Asia today, the Nikkei was last up 106.72 points at 10,293.83, while the Hang Seng headed for the midpoint ahead 289.36 points at 20,607.98.

Crude oil traded at $67.95 a barrel on Nymex.

LONDON MARKETS

Mining stocks may be a focus today after weekend press reports that Xstrata is eyeing a bid for platinum miner Lonmin. Also, reports that Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton are mulling a merger of their diamond mining operations in Canada may raise a few eyebrows.

The Daily Express suggests that Rentokil Initial is poised for a return to the FTSE100.

In the corporate diary for the day, interim results are due from

Goals Soccer Centres and Healthcare Locums, while Craneware and Kofax publish full-year numbers.

Trading statements are expected from Associated British Foods and Whitbread.