S&P Futures

The Nasdaq gained but the broader market finished near unchanged, failing to find a clear direction amid mixed economic reports.

Rank posted a four percent fall in 2003 profit to 193.7 million pounds even so it was above market forecasts of 190 million. It found trading tough at its Hard Rock cafes but said it expected to make progress in 2004 despite a hit from the weaker U.S. dollar.

WPP easily beat expectations and show a recovery in the advertising sector with future prospects optimistic. Profit rose 18 percent to 473.4 million pounds on revenue up five percent to 4.1 billion pounds with analysts expecting 436 million.

International Power said it would review its struggling U.S. business and write down the value of its assets there. It reported an expected 34 percent fall in annual earnings to 10.2 pence with the city expecting a slightly worse figure of 9.9 pence.

Jarvis said it had received outstanding cash relating to maintenance work on Britain's railways, and was in talks with operator Network Rail about new five-year contracts for track renewals.

Avis Europe (F), Billam (F), Independent Media Distribution (F), International Power (F), Rank Group (F), WPP (F), Games Workshop (I), Vernalis (I),Resurge (AGM)9:30 Govt Debt & Deficit under the Maastricht Treaty

13:30 GDP Q4 (3.6%) 13:30 Chain Deflator (1.1%) 13:30 GDP-Prel (3.8%) 14:45 Mich Sentiment (93.8) 15:00 Chicago PMI (63.5)

Cap Gemini (F) Lafarge (F) Technip (F)  

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