Friday preview: US data, ECB's Draghi speech

The pace is set to slow on Friday, winding down from a busy week that has included policy decisions from the Bank of England, the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan.

With no significant company announcements due, attention will turn to a few economic reports – US housing starts, US building permits and the Baker Hughes US Rig Count at 1800 BST.

Economists expect US housing starts rose 1.9% in May compared to April while US building permits are forecast to increase 1.3% month-on-month in May.

Meanwhile, European Central Bank president Mario Draghi is due to speak in the afternoon in Munich. The market will be looking out for any remarks on ECB policy and the looming European Union referendum in Britain on 23 June.

Fellow ECB board member Benoit Couere speaks in Berlin around midday.

Friday 17 June

INTERIM DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE
Avingtrans, Cambria Automobiles, Matchtech Group

QUARTERLY PAYMENT DATE
BP, Carnival

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
Building Permits (US) (13:30)
Current Account (EU) (09:00)
Housing Starts (US) (13:30)

GMS
Rexam

SPECIAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE
U And I Group

EGMS
JZ Capital Partners Ltd

AGMS
British American Inv Trust, Charlemagne Capital Ltd., Hunters Property , JD Sports Fashion, JZ Capital Partners Ltd, Silence Therapeutics, Zincox Resources

FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE
Blancco Technology Group, Burford Capital , Fairpoint Group, Howden Joinery Group, LLoyds Banking Group 6.367% Non-Cum Fxd/Fltg Rte Pref Shares, Quarto Group Inc., Soco International, Ted Baker, Witan Pacific Inv Trust