Investors and households will be interested in what Ofgem has to say, as the regulator announces the new energy price cap for the July-September quarter, with a sizeable drop expected that will mean a big difference to many.
Ahead of results from Johnson Matthey PLC (LSE:JMAT), forecasts were slashed by analysts due to falling platinum group metal (PGM) prices, though the group’s clean air division is touted to see improvements in profit margins.
Also on Thursday there will be further additions on the week’s themes of water companies and defence suppliers.
After defence sector peer Avon Protection tumbled earlier in the week after warning of softer demand, QinetiQ Group PLC (LSE:QQ.) has been more bullish so far this year and leading analysts to expect “positive commentary on longer-term growth ambitions” when these preliminary results are reported.
Water company United Utilities Group PLC (LSE:UU.) may also be glowing proudly and hoping for pats on the back after the water industry’s recent apology and promise to up spending investment in sewage processing and cutting leaks.
UU was one of the worst offenders, according to recent data, but most of its investors have not cared as the dividends it has paid out have been so lucrative in recent years.
Analysts at JPMorgan recently said investing in water companies could be viewed as "cheap" but returns are "unattractive" compared to electricity companies.
Significant announcements
Trading updates: Hill & Smith PLC
Interims: AJ Bell PLC (LSE:AJB)
Finals: Griffin Mining Ltd, Intermediate Capital Group (LSE:ICP) PLC, Pets at Home Group PLC (LSE:PETS), QinetiQ Group PLC (LSE:QQ.), Renewi PLC (LSE:RWI), United Utilities Group PLC (LSE:UU.), Workspace Group PLC (LSE:WKP), Tate & Lyle PLC (LSE:TATE), Johnson Matthey PLC (LSE:JMAT)
US earnings: Medtronic PLC (NYSE:MDT), Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST)
AGMs: Alliance Pharma PLC (AIM:APH), Biome Technologies PLC (AIM:BIOM), Boot (Henry) PLC, Capital & Regional PLC, Destiny Pharma Holdings PLC, Ferrexpo PLC (LSE:FXPO), Fevertree Drinks (AIM:FEVR) PLC, Headlam Group (LSE:HEAD) PLC, Hill & Smith PLC, Life Science REIT PLC (AIM:LABS), NAHL Group PLC (LSE:NAH), Prudential PLC (LSE:PRU), Regional REIT (LSE:RGL) Ltd, Resolute Mining Ltd (ASX:RSG, LSE:RSG), RM Plc (LSE:RM.), S & U PLC, Sabre Insurance Group PLC (LSE:SBRE), TBC Bank (LSE:TBCG) Group PLC, Vanquis Banking Group PLC
Economic announcements: Continuing Claims (US), GDP (Preliminary) (US), Initial Jobless Claims (US), Pending Homes Sales (US)
Ex-dividend to reduce FTSE 100: 3.35 points (Intertek, Kingfisher, Whitbread, Imperial Brands, DCC, Coca-Cola HBC )