Proactive Investors - The FTSE 100 is expected to post modest losses at the open on Friday as investors digest interest rate decisions around the world and await PMI and retail sales releases today.
Spread betting companies are calling London’s lead index down by around 11 points after closing down 53.03 points at 7,678.62 on Thursday.
US stocks nursed heavy losses on Thursday after the Federal Reserve signalled interest rates would stay higher, for longer, after it held interest rates steady, a ‘hawkish’ hold, while the Bank of England’s pause in rates was perceived to be more ‘dovish’.
In Japan, the Bank of Japan left its ultra-loose monetary policy in place, as was widely expected, and showed no sign of shifting its approach to monetary policy.
The focus now will be on whether the BoE hikes again at its November meeting, and if not, when the first cuts in interest rates will begin.
Back to today, and economic data will provide the early focus in London with the corporate diary looking fairly quiet.