FTSE 100 Seen Opening Higher as Traders Weigh Rate Decisions

0635 GMT - The FTSE 100 is expected to open slightly higher following gains in U.S. equities overnight as traders assess interest rate decisions from the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank and Bank of Japan. IG futures data show the FTSE 100 opening up 11 points. The Fed and the ECB Bank both delivered "very hawkish outcomes" at meetings on Wednesday and Thursday respectively, CMC Markets analyst Michael Hewson writes. However, the Fed's main inflation indicators showed increasing evidence of disinflation and the ECB's core inflation expectations for year-end came across as too high, he says. Meanwhile, new Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda on Friday seemed reluctant to consider paring back its easy monetary policy despite elevated core inflation, he says.(renae.dyer@wsj.com)

COMPANIES NEWS:

ITV Confirms It Is Considering All3Media Acquisition

ITV confirmed Friday that it was actively exploring the possible acquisition of U.K. film production company, All3Media

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Currys Mulls Sale of Greek Business Kotsovolos

Currys said Friday it had started a strategic review of Greek business Kotsovolos, and that this could lead to its sale.

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Tesco 1Q Group Retail LFL Sales Rose 8.2%, Backs FY 2024 Guidance

Tesco on Friday said its like-for-like group retail sales grew 8.2% in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 boosted by volumes and inflation, and reiterated its guidance for the full year.

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Mears Sees 2023 Profits Materially Ahead of Market Views

Mears Group said Friday that the board expects 2023 profits to be materially ahead of current market expectations.

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Travis Perkins Lowers Full-Year Profit Guidance on Challenging Market Conditions

Travis Perkins said Friday that is has lowered its full-year profit guidance due to lower volumes in both the new build housing and private domestic repair, maintenance and improvement markets.


Contact: London NewsPlus, Dow Jones Newswires;

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

06-16-23 0302ET