S&P Futures

U.S. stocks broke their losing streak helped by gains in the technology sector

Abbey National has reported an annual loss of 686 million pounds much bigger than market expectations, as it sold off risky assets at losses to go back to consumer banking.

Legal & General profits rose 9 percent to 759 million pounds in line with expectations, and said it was confident of increasing market share. The dividend increased 2.5 percent increase in total dividend per share to 4.90 pence.

BAE Systems posted an annual operating profit of 980 million pounds in line with market expectations, and said its defence businesses would be slightly ahead of 2003.

Rentokil reported a five percent rise in annual profit to 408.5 million pounds in line with expectations. BUT said 2004 margins were likely to be hit by slow progress in its higher-margin businesses

National Express coach and rail firm posted a lower profit 105.5 million pounds ahead of 102 million market expectations and said it had made a good to start to its new financial year.

EasyJet said it had performed well in the first three months of its financial year, helped by rising passenger numbers.

Provident Financial loans reported a 13 percent rise in annual profit to 206.2 million pounds ahead of analysts forecasts of 195 million

Tomkins engineering reported a six percent fall in 2003 profit to 271.8 million pounds slightly below forecasts, but said it expected to achieve good underlying growth this year.

MFI Furniture reported strong progress in in line annual profits to 117.9 million pounds but said recent sales at its core UK retail chain were a tad disappointing. They said it was confident of future profit growth and would increase its dividend to 3.8 pence a share, up 22.6 percent.

Hilton Group hotels & Ladbroke betting shops reported flat 2003 profits but said it sees signs of a gradual recovery emerging in the hotel sector, while its Ladbroke gaming business has started 2004 well.

United Business Media publishing, market research and broadcasting posted a 42 percent rise in annual profit to103.3 million pounds and said the momentum is continuing.

Singer & Friedlander bank and asset manager said its annual profits had more than doubled to 93 million pounds and it was proposing a special dividend of 26.0 pence.

Cambridge Silicon Radio CSR_w.L start trading on the LSE today at 200 pence apiece, at the top of the 160-200p range indicated. They are the world's leading provider for Bluetooth

Aventis ,Novartis silent on white knight talks story:

Galliford construction reported a 75 percent rise in profits to 9.6 million pounds following a good performance in its housebuilding arm.

Abbey National (F), BAE Systems (F), Belgravium Technologies (F), Capita Group (F), CryptoLogic Com Shs NPV (F), Easynet (F), Elementis (F), Estates and General (F), GeneMedix (F), Hilton Group (F), Legal & General (F), MFI Furniture Group (F), National Express (F), Provident Financial (F), Rentokil Initial (F), Singer and Friedlander (F), Tomkins (F), Trinity Mirror (F), United Business Media (F), Domestic and General (I), Galliford Try (I), Invox (I), Swallowfield (I), Ultimate Leisure Group (I), Wilmington Group (I), Cobra Bio-Manufacturing (AGM), M&G Income Inv (AGM), easyJet (TA)9:30 GfK Feb Consumer confidence survey 9:30 Jan BBA Mortgage Lending Data

Autodesk (Q4), Gap (Q4), Limited Brands (Q4) Liz Claiborne (Q4), JC Penney Co (Q4) Kohl's Corp (Q4), Calpine Corp (Q4)

13:30 Durable Orders (1.4%) 13;30 Initial Claims (347K) 15:00 Help Wanted Index (39) 15:00 New Home Sales (1095K)

RWE (F) Celanese (Q4) Bouygues (F) Gecina (F)

ENI

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