London pre-open: Stocks seen lower as investors digest Trump comments

London stocks were set to open lower on Thursday as investors look to the long Easter weekend and digest the latest comments from US President Donald Trump.

The FTSE 100 was expected to open down 19 points at 7,330.

Trump said on Wednesday that the dollar was "too strong" and that he wants interest rates to remain low. His comments came after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said earlier in the week that a neutral stance on US monetary policy would be appropriate.

He told The Wall Street Journal: "I think our dollar is getting too strong, and partially that's my fault because people have confidence in me," Trump said. "But that's hurting -- that will hurt ultimately."

He added: "It's very, very hard to compete when you have a strong dollar and other countries are devaluing their currency."

His comments hit the dollar, which fell sharply in the aftermath.

On the macroeconomic front, the Bank of England credit conditions survey is at 0930 BST. In the US, the producer price index and initial jobless claims are at 1330 BST, while the Michigan consumer sentiment index is at 1500 BST.

In corporate news, despite a third-quarter decline in the UK, recruiter Hays said full year operating profits were likely to be at the top of the current range of market forecasts after it drummed up a record level of quarterly net fees.

With good conditions in almost all of its of our markets, net fees grew 21% in total and 10% on a like-for-like basis, as growth in the rest of the world easily offset a 4% LFL decline in the UK due to public sector weakness.

FTSE 100 healthcare group Mediclinic said its two largest platforms, Switzerland and Southern Africa, in addition to its Dubai business, all performed in line with expectations during the 2017 financial year.

Mediclinic's Abu Dhabi business underperformed having been impacted by a major regulatory change in addition to certain business and operational challenges.

“We have been focused on resolving these issues and stabilising performance in the Middle East. Our confidence in the long-term growth opportunities of the region remains strong and we currently expect performance in the Middle East to improve as we progress through the 2018 financial year," the company said.

Imperial Leather, Carex and Original Source maker PZ Cussons expects full year results to be in line with forecasts as it has traded well in all regions, particularly Nigeria which is currently in its peak season.

The consumer goods giant also said that its balance sheet remains “strong” with cash generation for the quarter ended 12 April.