Western powers want the Syrian government to hand over its chemical weapons.

UK government gives formal notice to London Stock Exchange that Royal Mail will be floated imminently.

Korn/Ferry survey shows FTSE100 chairmen and women lamenting lack of commercial understanding among politicians.

Unilever plans to sell its snack brand Peperami, a spicy snack made of pork.

Investors will be tracking a raft of data coming in from the US.

Minutes of the Federal Reserve's December policy meeting reflect members' concerns over continuation of the asset-purchasing programme.

Traders optimistic on 2013's first session as global economic concerns ease after House of Representatives passes budget.

Shares in WPP were down on the FTSE 100 in morning trading after the group reported a rise in revenue in the third quarter of 1.6 per cent to just under £2.5 billion.

Shares in British American Tobacco were down on the FTSE 100 in morning trading after the cigarette maker reported a decline in volumes from subsidiaries in the nine months ended September 2012.

Shares in Whitbread Plc, the owner of the Costa coffee chain, saw its shares decline on the FTSE 100 in afternoon trading despite the group reporting a rise in profits in the half year ended 30 August 2012.

Shares in retailer Next dropped on the FTSE 100 despite the group reporting a rise in revenue and profit in the half year to July 2012.

Shares in Kingfisher, the owner of B&Q, saw its shares rise on the FTSE 100 in morning trading after performing "as well as could be expected" in the half year ended 28 July 2012.

Centrica holds a position of the third biggest producer of gas in the Britain continental shelf and plans to increase upstream UK gas and oil production by over 25 percent during the current year.

Logica Plc announced that it is looking to partner with the world's most forward-thinking enterprises through its Global Innovation Venture Partner (GIVP) programme to develop most innovative products and solutions.

Credit Suisse raised IHG's full-year 2013 profit earnings per share by 7 percent and observes scope for 32 percent improvement to 2014 consensus estimates, provided sustained trading momentum.

easyJet Plc, Europe's second-largest low-cost carrier, in its pre-close trading statement said at constant currency basis it expects total revenue per seat for the first half will be better than expected at a little over 10 percent

HSBC Holdings Plc generated a return on shareholders' equity of 10.9 percent during 2011 and it expects that by the end of 2012 it will develop a clear route towards meeting its target of 12-15 percent by the end of 2013.

Last month, S&P's Ratings Services raised its long-term and short-term corporate credit ratings of Rolls-Royce Plc to 'A/A-1' from 'A-/A-2' and said the group's outlook is stable. The rating was upgraded after the strong operating, financial performance and stable cash flow generation by British aerospace group.

Diageo Plc said its net sales increased 11 percent for the third quarter ended March mainly due to the acquisitions of Mey Icki, Serengeti Breweries and Meta Abo Breweries.

According to Shore Capital, BG Group is likely to be the major British large-cap gaining from rising oil prices as integrated oil peers 'struggle for the same degree of leverage' to the rising cost of crude.

Diageo Plc is expanding into fast-growing emerging markets with a cautious view on the consumer and economic trends in 2012,

Home Retail Group reported a fall in its full-year profits, as the spending in the group's markets declined further than the expectations with many customers facing pressures on the amount of disposable income.

Avon Rubber Plc anticipates making further progress in FY 2012 despite an uncertain outlook for global defence spending, as the timing of filter deliveries is likely to result a greater second half year weighting.

British Petroleum Plc expects to divest assets of $38 billion by the end of 2013 as a part of group's decision to actively manage its business portfolios around the world, focusing on core activities and future growth.

Man Group Plc has made a strong start to 2012 with combined business power counterbalancing weaker performance at AHL, but Singer Capital downgrades its estimates ahead of the group's first quarter interim management update on Tuesday.

Aberdeen Asset Management's portfolio nears £185bn as group ups dividend by 4.4 percent

Driven by the recovery in investor confidence and risk appetite, Aberdeen Asset Management reported net new inflows of £1.4 billion during the first two months of 2012. The group is scheduled to release its interim results for the six months ended March 31 on Monday, April 30.

Harvey Nash Group raised its profit outlook as it expects full-year results to be ahead of expectations, driven by skills shortages in niche markets and fast growing digital and mobile markets which continue to boost demand for technology professionals.

WPP PLC has posted a rise of 7.6 percent in its first-quarter revenues at £2.392 billion, as it achieved growth in all regions and business sectors, particularly in Asia Pacific and Latin America.

Aegis Group Plc has reported a rise of 16.3 percent in its total revenue for the first-quarter in constant currency and 17.0 percent at reported rates.