What you need to know before the open
Fears over what’ll be Russia’s next move in Crimea are expected to prompt markets to open lower in Europe.
Moreover, weaker Chinese data – the HSBC purchasing managers’ index has fallen to an unexpected eight-month low – is anticipated to affect sentiment.
Russian troops have taken control of a Crimean naval base at Feodosia, Ukrainian officials have said.
The facility was one of the few to be flying the Ukrainian flag. Yesterday, Russia’s defence ministry said its flag’s flying at 189 military installations, while Kiev has refused to recognise Russia’s annexation.
Corporate news
Co-op Bank’s said it needs a further £400m in capital after uncovering further costs regarding PPI misselling and poor customer treatment relating to mortgages.
Horizon Discovery Group’s raised £68.6m in its flotation, with “significant oversubscription” for shares. Last month, it said it was planning to raise £25m. It’ll make its debut on London’s Alternative Investment Market with a market cap of £120.5m.
Microsoft and Nokia have said the €5.4bn delayed deal that’ll see the latter buy the former’s phone business is on track to close next month.
And WPP has agreed to acquired a majority stake in UK-based digital technology consultancy Cognifide.
Data in focus
- 7.58am: France March purchasing managers’ index
- 8.28am: Germany March purchasing managers’ index
- 8.58am: UE March purchasing managers’ index