THE TIPSTER ECONOMIC DRIVERS EYED THIS WEEK
NEXT week all traders will be watching the Bank of England’s monetary policy decision, announced at midday on Thursday. While the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is expected to keep interest rates on hold, there are concerns that further quantitative easing may be suggested. Given that its Eurozone counterpart – the European Central Bank (ECB) – has a much more hawkish stance than Threadneedle Street, this could present a selling opportunity for euro-sterling. Capital Spreads quotes a price of 1.1665-1.1669.
Continued concerns over the economy and rising unemployment are also expected to have hit recruitment agency Michael Page, which is due to release a trading update next week. Everyone is still very nervous about jobs and the outlook for the economy which won’t help the company. IG Index is quoting a December spread of 224.8-227.1p.
The big news story of last week was the government taking over National Express’s East Coast franchise but the company has the potential to lose more. Unsurprisingly sellers have been piling into the stock but the risk is still to the downside so there’s room for a few more shorters. IG Index has a March spread of 264.6-268.3p.
There have been a couple of bids on the table for the small and mid-caps which has affected share prices. Risk insurance company Chaucer was lucky – although BRIT Insurance Holdings withdrew its offer, spread betters are speculating a new bidder may step up instead. But should one fail to appear, expect more downside to come.
ShortsandLongs.com has a rolling spread of 140.8p-141.5p.
DUE DILIGENCE
More details on the rumour that payments service provider Earthports is a takeover target emerged last week. IBM are apparently doing due diligence on the company and is potentially in the running along with a Middle Eastern finance house.
And mid-cap Game Group announced disappointing sales figures for the year last week, sending the firm’s share price down 10 per cent prompting a glut of investors to pick up shares. ShortsandLongs.com has a rolling spread of 140.8p-141.5p.