Normally it is US jobs numbers that make the headlines, but tomorrow’s increase in UK energy bills might even push the Ukraine war off the top story.
It was announced weeks ago but as a reminder, the minimum tariff for an average dual-energy household rises by 54% or £693 to £1,971 (read more).
The start of a new month on Friday meanwhile brings the US jobs report around again.
As the market is so tight, it means growth in the number of new jobs is likely to be limited to a maximum of 500,000 with wage pressures continuing to build, economists at ING said.
The last non-farm payrolls report revealed 678,000 jobs were added on a seasonally adjusted basis, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics saying the national unemployment rate dropped to 3.8%.
In UK company news, Pennon Group PLC (LSE:PNN, OTC:PEGRY) will be one of the first reporters of the month, with shareholder returns, debt and pollution among the big issues for the owner of South West Water and Bristol Water.
Regulator Ofwat’s investigation into river pollution and sewage treatment spillages is gathering momentum and Pennon’s record might be making a few investors nervous.
Last year, South West Water was cited by the UK Environmental Agency for the tenth year running as being one of the worst polluters in the sector (read more).
Revenue forecasts are for £645mln, with debt levels - company and customer - worth watching too.
Friday 1 April
Trading statement: Pennon PLC, Renew Holdings (AIM:RNWH) PLC
Economic announcements: PMI Manufacturing (UK), Non-Farm Payrolls (US), Unemployment Rate (US), PMI Manufacturing (US), Construction Spending (US), ISM Manufacturing (US), Car Sales (US)