Thursday preview: Global manufacturing PMIs in focus

The focus on Thursday will shift towards China, with investors waiting on survey compiler Caixin's factory sector Purchasing Managers' Index.

Consensus is calling for a dip in the PMI from 51.8 for November to 51.5 in December.

However, analysts at TD Securities noted how the sub-index for medium-sized firms contained in the official PMI, published two days before, had moved into expansion territory for the first time since August 2018 "suggesting upside risks for the Caixin PMI".

Linked to the above, South Korean export figures for December are scheduled to be published on Wednesday, which may provide clues as to what the Caixin PMI holds in store for investors.

In the UK meanwhile, IHS Markit will publish a final reading for its UK and euro area manufacturing sector PMIs referencing December.

Thursday 02 January

INTERIM DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

Bunzl, Castings, Great Portland Estates, Headlam Group, Mckay Securities, Next

INTERIM EX-DIVIDEND DATE

Aberdeen New Dawn Investment Trust, Auto Trader Group , BMO Global Smaller Companies, Brown (N.) Group, Carribbean Investment Holdings Limited (DI), Experian, Hibernia Reit , Latham (James), Northern 2 VCT, Northern 3 VCT, PHSC, Triad Group, United Carpets Group

QUARTERLY EX-DIVIDEND DATE

Anglo Pacific Group, BMO UK High Income Trust , British Land Company, Real Estate Investors, Value and Income Trust

SPECIAL EX-DIVIDEND DATE

BMO UK High Income Trust B Shares

FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

Balfour Beatty Cum Cnv Red Prf

FINAL EX-DIVIDEND DATE

AB Dynamics, Baillie Gifford European Growth Trust , BBA Aviation 5% Cum Prf, Blackrock Frontiers Investment Trust, BP 8% Cum 1st Prf, BP 9% 2nd Prf, Cerillion , Greencore Group, Hyve Group, Lowland Investment Co, Schroder Asia Pacific Fund, Schroder UK Mid Cap Fund, Up Global Sourcing Holdings