(MENAFN- ProactiveInvestors) The UK’s main market finally broke its 1999 record to close on an all-time high on Tuesday of 6949.
Having surpassed the dot.com bubble level questions will inevitably arise as to whether the market is now overheating.
In the meantime reporting season in full-swing and next week sees another flurry of full-year figures from London-listed firms.
sends out its finals on Tuesday after recent updates from Lloyds and RBS.
The banking sector has remained under the cosh from the regulator and followers of the sector will remain focussed on this subject.
Revenue from ’ all-important investment bank division has been under pressure so any comments on this alongside any updates on the progress of the groups restructuring plan will be worth noting by investors.
Recent updates have helped underpin the improved performance of the share price and investors will be hoping this trend can continue.
UBS analysts have a Buy rating on the bank with a target price of 305p.
“We are looking for reported EPS of 11.1p. Progress on the run-down of non-core and build-up of CET1 ratios will be key areas of focus for the market” said UBS.
“In line with peers we expect a weak Q4 out-turn from the IB in Rates/Credit but also expect a pick-up in the Equities business after the “dark pools” induced weakness in Q3.”
On Thursday sends out its first set of numbers since its acquisition bid for Friends Life Group was announced.
An EU watchdog is not expected to rule on the £5.6bn merger until the 13th March so there is likely to be little to report on that front..
Traders will be looking for any comments on how is progressing with improving its capital adequacies internal and external leverage and growing its digital direct business.
“Improvements here and the takeover of Friends Life Group are key to the continuation of the company’s recovery story” said analysts at The Share Centre.
UBS analysts are Neutral on with a target price of 531p
Also on Thursday; Admiral updates.
The Share Centre reckons the firm’s Q4 numbers will be critical and watched closely by those that believe the UK car insurance market has turned a corner.
“The share price has had a healthy rise since reporting Q3 numbers in November we suspect as anticipation to car premiums improving.
“As a result Admiral has also warned that its comparison operations would not fare as well in the second half due to the market remaining highly competitive so there will be a lot for investors to digest.
Monday
Finals: Trinity Mirrow () () Interket Group () () ().
Interims: () Mysale Group ()
Economic announcements expected: Chinese Manufacturing PMI French German Eurozone UK and US Manufacturing PMIs Eurozone CPI estimate US personal Income PCE deflator Construction Spending ISM Manufacturing and Fed’s Plosser (Non-Voter Hawk).
Tuesday
Finals: () () () () () Glencore () Regus () Insurance Group () Paddy Power ()
Trading statement: ()
Interims: Clinigen Group (N) () Group ()
Economic announcements expected RBA rate decision Canadian GDP API crude Inventories Fed’s Mester (Non-Voter Soft Hawk) UK 2020 Bond Auction.
Wednesday
Finals: () Sportech () () () () () Group () () ()
Economic announcments expected: Australian GDP Chinese Services PMI French German Eurozone UK and US Services PMIs ADP Employment Change ISM Non-Manf. Composite BoC rate decision DoE crude inventories Fed’s Evans (Voter Dove) George (Non-Voter Soft Hawk) Fisher (Non-Voter Hawk)
Thursday
Finals: () Friends Life Group (LON:FLG) () () (LONAGK) () Group () ()
Interims: EasyJet (LON:EZY)
Economic announcements expected: German Factory orders BoE and ECB rate decisions Initial Jobless Claims US Factory orders ECB’s Draghi (Soft Dove) RBA’s Lowe BoJ’s Kiuchi Fed’s Williams (Voter Dove) and earnings from Adidas.
Friday
Finals: Group () ()
AGM: Rangers Football Club ()
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