Friday preview: Factory PMIs, Davos in focus

The focus at the end of the week will be on a raft of services and manufacturing sector surveys from around the world, with investors particularly keen for signs of stabilisation in global factory activity.

Nonetheless, headlines about the new coronavirus found in Asia and associated concerns around Chinese economic growth may continue to dampen the mood in financial markets.

In the UK in particular, investors will be watching to see if the latest services and manufacturing sector Purchasing Managers' Indices from IHS Markit, which are due out at 0930 GMT, add or detract to the case for the Bank of England to cut rates at its next meeting.

For her part, European Central Bank chief, Christine Lagarde, is due to deliver a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, at 1030 GMT.

Market participants will also be keeping close tabs on the headlines around trade talks between the US, Europe and the UK at Davos.

Friday 24 January

INTERIMS

Hansard Global

INTERIM DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

Auto Trader Group , Carribbean Investment Holdings Limited (DI), Cranswick, Dixons Carphone , FIH Group , Latham (James), Northern 2 VCT, Northern 3 VCT, Northgate, Superdry, Triad Group

QUARTERLY PAYMENT DATE

Aberdeen Diversified Income and Growth Trust , Real Estate Investors, Standard Life Private Equity Trust

SPECIAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

EIH Plc, Electra Private Equity

AGMS

Marston's, Nu-Oil and Gas

UK ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

BBA Mortgage Lending Figures (09:30)

FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

JPMorgan Japanese Inv Trust