Wednesday preview: FOMC minutes, Fed speak in focus

The market spotlight in the middle of the week will continue to be trained on the US central bank.

At 1800 BST the Federal Reserve will release the minutes of its last policy meeting and investors are keen for any insights into rate-setters' thinking going forward.

Significantly, the stronger-than-expected September non-farm payrolls report has led financial markets to price out the possibility of a 50 basis point rate cut at the Fed's next meeting, in November, although at present 25bp are still anticipated.

For that same reason, investors will also be keeping tabs on the latest speeches from top Fed officials scheduled for Wednesday.

The results of the US Treasury's latest 10-year note auction will also be monitored for any surprises.

Further afield, central bankers in New Zealand are expected to go ahead overnight and cut official short-term interest rates by 50bp to 4.75%.

On home shores, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors will publish its Housing Price Balance for September just past the stroke of midnight.

Wednesday 09 October

INTERIMS

CMC Markets

QUARTERLY PAYMENT DATE

Assura

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Balance of Trade (GER) (07:00)

GMS

Coro Energy

FINALS

Netcall

EGMS

SDIC Power Holdings Co.,Ltd GDR (Reg S)

AGMS

Arcontech Group

TRADING ANNOUNCEMENTS

Marston's