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US Stocks hit a fresh 18-month high with the DOW ever closer to the key psychological level of 10,000, as blue-chip buying lifted the broader market ahead of the year's last Federal Reserve policy-setting meeting. Media companies say they expect global advertising spending to rise next year due to an improved economy and events such as the Olympics, but that Europe's growth will lag.

Manchester United Irish racehorse magnates J.P McManus and John Magnier have raised their holding in to just over 24 percent from 23 percent previously, fuelling bid speculationFirst Choice Holidays beat forecasts with a 20 percent rise to 87.1 million pounds in annual profit on and was confident about this year, despite lagging sales for summer 2004 as customers continue to book holidays late.

Greene King regional brewer and pubs group reported a 10 percent rise in its half-year profits and added that trading since the start of its second-half had been encouraging. They posted profits of 38.6 million pounds for the 24 weeks to October 19 compared with a consensus forecast of 38 million pounds.

Standard Life mutual insurer reported a 22 percent fall in worldwide new business sales for 2003 on Tuesday but said it was optimistic after demand rose at the end of the year. New business sales fell to 1.42 billion pounds in the year to November 15, 2003 from 1.82 billion pounds the previous year.Severn Trent raised its first half dividend by 2.5 percent on Tuesday, signalling confidence in the upcoming regulatory review of its pricing structure as first half profits topped forecasts. Profit grew to 151.1 million pounds from 131.8 million pounds a year ago with analysts forecasts of 134.5 and 140 million pounds, It also raised its shareholder payout to 17.77 pence, at the top of expectations.

PHS Group washroom services company reported a 21 percent rise in first-half to 20.8 million pounds but slightly below forecasts and said it expected more growth in the second half.

Halma safety products firm said half-year pre-tax profits rose by 15 percent, to 24.4 million pounds above estimates, and said its outlook was in line with its expectations.

First Choice Holidays (F) PBT 83.1m exp.

Greene King (I) PBT 38m exp. Victrex (F) PHS Group (I) PBT 21.5m exp, Severn Trent (I), First Technology (I), Grainger Trust (F), Halma (I), ITE (F),

Phytopharm (F),

HSBC Trading Statement Denistron (DSN) Rights Issue Ex Date. Sub Price is 10p, Terms are 1 for 1

09.30 Oct World trade Balance -2.0bn exp

Alby (Q3), Analogic (Q3), CostCo (Q3)

15.00 Oct Wholesale Inventories 0.2% exp. 19.50 FOMC Rate Announcement

Lufthansa Traffic Figures

10.00 Dec German ZEW Economic Sentiment 70.7 exp.

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