S&P Futures

US tech stocks rallied as investors geared up for Intel's mid-quarter update after the close. The DOW ended little changed ahead of February jobs report tomorrow.

Intel said after the US markets closed that first-quarter sales would come in lower than originally expected, which could lead to worries that business spending on technology may not be picking up as quickly as Wall Street had hoped.

Marshalls maker of concrete block paving reported a 2% rise to 50.4 million pounds in annual profit that broadly met forecasts and said trading conditions remained good.

EasyJet reported a 17.4% rise in February passenger traffic to 1.86 million boosted by its new routes at a 89% seat load factor

Greggs high-street baker reported a 10.4% rise in annual profit to 40.5 million pounds and said sales are up 3.1% in the first nine weeks of the current year.

London Clubs casino operator said on it was raising 49 million pounds in a rights issue at 70 pence per share enabling it settle all outstanding debt (to remain solvent) and expand ahead of government plans to deregulate Britain's gambling industry.

Mowlem reported annual profits of 45.2 million pounds up 37%, its eighth successive year of growth beating analysts forecast of 39 million pounds. They said the sale of two investments in UK government projects had contributed to the exceptional gains.

Axis-Shield diagnostics firm reported annual results up 7.2% to 50.3 million pounds in line with market forecasts and said it expected to substantially reduce losses in 2004. They also announced an agreement with the Chinese health ministry to trial its diabetes detection kit in a country with an estimated 40 million diabetes patients

J D Wetherspoon (I), Financial Objects (F), Greggs (F), Marshalls (F), Whitbread (F)

Netcentric Systems (AGM)

UK Jan Motor Vehicle Production (09:30)

1.30pm Average Workweek 1.30pm Hourly Earnings 1.30pm Nonfarm Payrolls 1.30pm Unemployment Rate

Carrefour (F), Suez Lyonnaise (F) Essilor International (F) Havas Advertising (F) Pinault-Printemps (F)

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