S&P Futures

US Stocks fell for the fifth day on worries that prices may be getting too high, particularly in the tech sector. Heineken earnings flat & it warns that the dollar will hit next years earnings.

HBOS reported a 29 percent rise in profit to 3.77 billion pounds, near the top of market expectations, and predicted higher shareholder returns starting this year.

Aviva the UK's largest insurer annual profit rose 11 percent to 1.907 billion pounds following cost cutting. A strong second half pushed it ahead of market forecasts of around 1.7 billion pounds.The group recommended a final dividend of 24.15 pence, an increase of five percent from the previous year.

Anglo American global mining and packing reported a four percent fall in annual profit but within market expectations. They were hit by currency markets, but have predicted good growth for the year ahead.

Marks & Spencer will today open the doors of its new home products store in Gateshead hoping to become a leader in the market.

Wilson Bowden housebuilder reported annual profits of 223.3 million pounds up 25 percent which met forecasts.

Novar building materials group profit falls 10% and it warns future earnings will be hit by the weak dollar

Michael Page recruitment posted a 28 percent decline in annual profit to 23.5 million pounds but within analyst forecasts. They forecast an improvement in the UK, Asia Pacific and the Americas but persistent weakness in Europe.

RAC reported a 24 percent acceleration in annual profits on Wednesday and said it expected continuing growth in 2004.

BBA aviation services and specialist materials firm posted a better than expected five percent fall in full-year pre-tax profits.

Anglo American (F), Aviva (F), BBA Group (F), Domnick Hunter (F), Hardy Underwriting(F), HBOS(F), Isotron (F), Michael Page (F), Morse Holdings (F), Novar (F), Paddy Power (F), RAC (F), Reed Health (F), Spirent (F), TDG (F), Urbium (F), Wilson Bowden (F), Brambles Industries Dickinson Legg (I), Isotron (I), Morse Holdings (I), Reed Health (I), Aukett Group (AGM), Capcon Holdings (AGM), Leeds Group (AGM)9:30 UK Q4 GDP First Revision

Big Lots (Q4) TJX Companies (Q4) Tiffany and Co (Q4)

13:00 Existing Home Sales (6.45M)

15:00 Alan Greenspan, testify's

Altadis, Heineken

Ex Dividend: Amstrad PLC 1.5, Barclays PLC 13.45, Beale Plc 2.2, CRC Group Plc 4.5, Filtronic Plc 0.9, Heath (Samuel) & Sons Plc 5, Mountview Estates Plc 44, Oxford Instruments Plc 2.4, Whittard Of Chelsea Plc 1, Wintrust Plc 8.6

Croc@SnappyTrader.com  WWW.SnappyTrader.com