FTSE

Spectris Plc is expected to go for some small acquisitions after acquiring IRM, Sixnet and Omega in the previous year which add a significant strategic growth platform for its Industrial Controls segment. The group is scheduled to release its interim management statement on Friday.

IMI Plc says it is well placed for the future with a clearly defined strategy which should deliver further sustainable margin improvement and long-term growth, notably through the acceleration of its new product agenda and increased exposure to the faster growing emerging markets.

France, Italy and Spain see bond yields rise despite solid morning auctions

Recently Fitch Ratings revised its long-term outlook for Ladbrokes Plc, Britain's second-biggest bookmaker, to Stable from Negative with long-term IDR (Issuer Default Rating) at 'BB+' and short-term IDR at 'B'. The betting and gaming group is scheduled to release its first-quarter trading update on Thursday.

Bad Loans hit 18-year peak in Spain, 12-year high in Italy as debate about direct bank support intensifies

Bad weather, labour disputes hit key revenue drivers in first quarter

Hunting Plc started its FY 2012 on a solid footing, as the energy demand remains firm. With a wide product and service offerings for its customers, the group has a global manufacturing presence in key energy regions around the world.

Shares of GKN, a global engineering group, rose 4.7 percent last week as Credit Suisse raised its rating to "Outperform" from "Neutral" and sets price target at 240 pence though during last month the group's shares underperformed the sector by shedding 9.9 percent, compared to 8.2 percent decline for the sector.

Weather disruptions blamed for decline as investors pull back on shares

Marks and Spencer has reported a drop in its UK like-for-like sales by 0.7 percent for the 13 weeks ended in March, but reported a growth in food sales by 1 percent. Analysts forecasted a rise of 0.4 - 1.6 percent.

Burberry Group says it remains focused on implementing its proven core strategies to attain long-term growth while continuing in the demanding macro environment. The group is scheduled to release its trading update for the six months ended March 31, 2012 on Tuesday.

Chancellor plans to increase UK exports to emerging markets jeopardised by slowdown in growth.

Punch Taverns reported a fall of 20 percent in its profit before tax for the six months ending in March at £33 million compared to £41 million a year ago. But expects expects to reap benefits during the second half of the current year from the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the UEFA European football championship and the Olympic Games.

Hays Plc has posted a rise of 10 percent in its net fee for the third quarter and growth of 18 percent in international business, which accounts for 70 percent of total net fees.

Ashmore Group says that it continues to innovate with an ever deepening range of up-coming market products and its infrastructure and distribution platforms are progressing to plan. The investment management services firm is scheduled to release its interim management statement on Thursday.

Mothercare, as a part of its British property restructuring activity, is planning to close 111 loss making stores in town by 2013. Out of total 111 stores 76 closures will take place as leases expire and disposal of 35 loss-making stores, which will result in cash cost of £16.6 million.

Michael Page International stresses on plans to continue its geographic expansion in emerging markets due to many long-term growth opportunities, especially in Latin America and Asia. In spite of expansion plans it remains cautious about the current macro economic outlook.

Britain's FTSE 100 is expected to hit 6,100 mark by the end of 2012, driven by signs of growth in UK economy, improving European debt crisis and good global economic prospects.

Volex Group says its trading will be in line with current market expectations for the twelve months to April 1, 2012 despite increased global economic uncertainty, which resulted slow growth in Q3 FY 2012.

Bond yields rise, shares slump as Europe's problems appear to deepen

Budget carrier says paid seats increased to 4.6 million

Tough budgets in Iberia failed to lower borrowing costs, ECB holds key rate at 1 percent

Halfords Group expects its full-year gross margins to decline by 130 to 150 basis points. It says the expected decline is in line with market expectations although it is worse than the forecast at least 100 basis points given in November.The group is scheduled to release its pre-close trading update on Thursday.

Robert Walters says it is well positioned to exploit opportunities through long-term investment and cost management and is committed to expand in markets which offer the best prospects for growth, its future investment plans may reflect this.

Activity slumps below growth mark, but outlook hits 8-month high

PR and healthcare consultancy sees margin pressure in 2011, but upbeat for 2012

British economy may be poised for sharp recovery

FirstGroup, the British transport operator said that its overall trading for the year ended March 31, 2012 has been in line with management's expectations and remains on track to attain overall earnings target for the year.

With its new business pipeline being strong, Huntsworth Plc, the global public relations and integrated healthcare communications group, is confident of improving trading in 2012 compared to 2011 and is scheduled to report its preliminary 2011 results on Tuesday.

With the widen international businesses, established strategy and well-built balance sheet, Electrocomponents, the world's leading high service distributor of electronics and maintenance products, is investing in its planned proposals and being aware of the ongoing economic situation, it is continuing to maintain tight cost control, therefore the group anticipates current second half operating costs to be in line with the second half of FY 2011.