S&P Futures

The major US indexes traded near unchanged ahead of Friday's jobless report. Brown & Jackson replaces finance chief, De La Rue names new CEO

William Hill betting shop chain, reported a big jump in annual profits topping expectations to 170.8 million and made an encouraging start to 2004 with gross win up 17 percent in the first eight weeks.

Rexam beverage can maker reported a rise in annual profit above analysts' forecasts of 273 million pounds and said it looked forward to another good year.

P&O returned to profit with 80 million pounds but said it was reviewing its ferries business, where trading was tough. "Recent increases in French tobacco duty have had an impact on on-board sales, particularly on the Short Sea. Freight carryings and rates are also down on the prior year

Yule Catto & Co Speciality chemicals firm reported annual profits of 59.9 million at the lower end of expectations and said it was confident of future growth despite uncertainties over currency and raw materials.

Ultraframe  <WARNING> conservatory maker warned investors that second-half trading was likely to be volatile and that full-year profit and sales may fall below its expectations.

Country and Metropolitan (I), Eidos (I), Arriva (F), Axis-Shield (F), Fayrewood (F), Hunting (F), Hydro Intl (F), Kidde (F), Mowlem J (F), P & O (F), Rexam (F), Senior Engineering (F), Tarsus Group (F), Wellington Underwriting (F), William Hill (F), Yule Catto (F)

BoE`s MPC interest rate announcement

Citizens Communications (Q4), Dillard's (Q4), Staples (Q4), Symbol Technologies (Q4) 1.30pm Initial Claims 1.30pm Productivity-Rev.

3.00pm Factory Orders

Rexel (F) LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (F) Vallourec (F), Alten (F)

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