Week ahead: Investors watch BoE and sterling as EU vote nears
Brexit braying and the Bank of England’s interest rate decision will be closely followed by investors this week.
Ahead of the BoE’s announcement on Thursday we’ll hear from the US Federal reserve, and though markets are not expecting a move from either, investors will be paying close attention to the language used by policy makers.
At the close of Friday’s session the blue-chip FTSE 100 index was down 1.9 per cent at 6,115.76 points at its close, hitting a three-week low and posting its biggest daily loss in four months.
The Chinese economy will also be of particular interest. Retail sales and industrial production figures out this morning will set a tone for the rest of the week.
Earnings remain relatively light, but company reports to look out for include equipment rental company Ashtead Group’s full-year numbers tomorrow, along with a trading announcement from fashion label Ted Baker.
Property developer Berkeley Group will post its finals on Wednesday.