Before the open – 21/08
Traders are expecting European markets to open lower after a mixed US session as it goes ex dividend today.
The big action in today's markets will come at 19.00 as the Federal Open Market Committee publishes its minutes.
#FTSE called around 5 points lower. #EURUSD bedding in above 1.3400 – release of #FOMC minutes at 19:00 BST the main event.
— David Morrison (@jmoz62) August 21, 2013
Ftse goes ex d 11 points today
— Wayno (@waynog) August 21, 2013
Key events today:
- UK July public sector net borrowing data at 09.30.
- UK mortgage approvals for the period to 16 August at 12.00.
- US July existing home sales change at 15.00. Expected to grow by 1.5 per cent from – 1.2 per cent.
- US July existing home sales at 15.00. Expected to grow from 5.08m to 5.10m.