A Brief Look At The Week Ahead

The week ahead is firmly focused on the retail sector, once again. With Tesco announcing its billion-busting half-year figures last week, it is now the opportunity for Sainsbury to impress the market. Their interim numbers are due to be published Wednesday. Analysts are expecting solid sales growth following the chain's move to slash prices. Investors will also be studying the latest trading update from mobile phone retailer Carphone Warehouse on Wednesday, hoping to gain an insight into its surprise move into the US. The retailer revealed last month that it would take its first step into the American market through a partnership with US electrical retailer BestBuy. Consumer demand for DVDs and books will be under scrutiny on Thursday when WH Smith hands down its first set of results following the hiving off of its distribution arm, Smith News. Investors will be hoping that WH Smith, which demerged its retail and distribution businesses last month, is not suffering too badly from the high street war which has seen book and DVD prices slashed in recent months. Also on Thursday, suits and menswear retailer, Moss Bros, will be in the spotlight, following last week's news that David Pidgeon, put in charge of boosting the fortunes of its Moss Bros and Moss Hire stores, had quit six months into his contract. Moss Bros, which also operates the Hugo Boss chain, said he would leave immediately. More sparkle is expected from C&C Group, where the Magners cider brand is expected to generate a bumper result for its maker. The group also makes Bulmers cider. It said last month that it expected turnover to increase by 25% in the six months to 31st August, largely on the back of excellent sales of Magners in the UK, but investors will also be keen to hear what the company is doing to address capacity constraints, which are holding them back from meeting market demand for Magners. Amongst others in the limelight this week are :- Northern Foods on Tuesday with Rexam and Rolls-Royce on Wednesday. Another quiet week on the reporting front, but M&A chatter is likely to provide yet more excitement as the likes of Corus hog the headlines again. A big thanks to Supermum, who returns this week with her unique chart view feature. Good hunting! Greystone (Greystone is Alan English, City Editor at MoneyAM.)

A big thanks to Supermum, who returns this week with her unique chart view feature.
Amen to that

Good morning traders!

News of a North Korean nuclear test has sent jitters through Asian markets today.

The Hang Seng ended the morning down 220.03 points at 17,683.36. The Tokyo market is closed for a public holiday.

New York's main oil contract, light sweet crude for November delivery, was up 64 cents to $60.40 a barrel from $59.76 in late US trades Friday.

Early broker notes:

SEVERN TRENT CUT TO 'NEUTRAL' VS 'BUY' AT MERRILL LYNCH
SMITHS GROUP CUTS TO 'NEUTRAL' VS 'BUY' AT MERRILL LYNCH
ICI INITIATED 'NEUTRAL' AT JP MORGAN, PRICE TARGET 395P
JOHNSON MATTHEY INITIATED 'OVERWEIGHT' AT JP MORGAN
GEORGE WIMPEY DOWNGRADED TO 'UNDERWEIGHT' FROM 'OVERWEIGHT' BY MORGAN STANLEY
ITV CUT TO 'NEUTRAL' VS 'BUY' AT UBS

Happy trading!

G.

PARTYGAMING TO BE DELETED FROM FTSE 100

I say!

Is that the same as relegated to the 250 G?

Morning all.

Correct Stan....

Also, World Gaming suspended on doubts it can continue trading.....

Thanks G.

End-of--day Market Roundup