Thursday preview: US labour market, UK GDP in focus
Financial markets' focus on Thursday will be on the latest US weekly jobless claims figures.
The data are typically hard to read over the Christmas holidays due to difficulties with their seasonal adjustment.
Nonetheless, going forwards the strength of the labour market is expected by some to be the key variable to watch.
Also due out are final readings for third quarter gross domestic product growth, both in the States and in the UK.
No major data releases are scheduled in the euro area.
Thursday 22 December
INTERIM DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE
British American Inv Trust, NEWCASTLE 10 3/4% PERM INT BEARING SHS #1000, Octopus Titan VCT
INTERIM EX-DIVIDEND DATE
Alliance Pharma, Halma, JPMorgan European Discovery Trust, PHSC, United Utilities Group
QUARTERLY PAYMENT DATE
BlackRock World Mining Trust, Vaalco Energy, Inc (DI)
QUARTERLY EX-DIVIDEND DATE
Aberdeen Diversified Income and Growth Trust , Abrdn Private Equity Opportunities Trust, British American Tobacco, Duke Royalty Limited, Law Debenture Corp., Mercantile Investment Trust (The)
INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
Continuing Claims (US) (13:30)
Gross Domestic Product (US) (13:30)
Initial Jobless Claims (US) (13:30)
New Homes Sales (US) (15:00)
Personal Consumption (US) (13:30)
EGMS
Zhejiang Expressway Co 'H' Shares
AGMS
Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd. GDR, Gulf Investment Fund, Solgold
UK ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
Current Account (06:00)
Gross Domestic Product (07:00)
FINAL EX-DIVIDEND DATE
Aeorema Communications, Britvic, JPMorgan Japanese Inv Trust, Orchard Funding Group , Smart (J) & Co., Topps Tiles