What you need to know before the open
European futures are suggesting a mixed open for markets.
German stocks are expected up again today, after data yesterday showed a surge in exports and imports in January.
Meanwhile, Japanese consumer confidence fell to 38.3 in February (from 40.5). The drop, says Capital Economics, suggests consumers are doubtful over Abenomics.
Corporate news
Troubled contracter G4S has suffered a fall in profit before tax of £170m in its preliminary results for the year ended 31 December.
Iron ore miner Ferrexpo has seen a jump in profit before tax of 15 per cent to £305m.
In Europe
Germany's seasonally adjusted exports climbed 2.2 percent in January, significantly above the consensus of 1.4 per cent. The powerhouse country's imports rose 4.1 percent, well above consensus forecast of 1.3 per cent.
Data in focus
- 8.00am: Spain Feb inflation
- 10.00am: EU Jan industrial production
- 11.00am: US MBA mortgage applications
- 6.00pm: US Treasury Secretary Lew speech