The FTSE 100 is expected to open sharply lower today following falls in the US on Tuesday and in Asia overnight.
Spread betting companies are calling the lead index down by around 60 points.
In the US the Dow closed Tuesday down 174 points, 0.5%, at 31,148, the Nasdaq Composite slipped 86 points, 0.7%, to 11,545 and the S&P 500 shed 16 points, 0.4%, to close at 3,909. The indices swung positive around midday, but the rally was short lived.
The strong ISM services survey for August served to heighten the prospect that the Federal Reserve could go for another 75bps rate hike when it meets in two weeks.
In Asia, markets slipped back after disappointing Chinese trade data.
In London, results are due from WH Smith (LON:SMWH) and Barratt Developments (LON:BDEV) while Halfords is set to provide a trading update.