Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Business Information Service: This Week

Helen Kay
Sunday 20 March 1994 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Monday

The non-EC trade deficit is expected to widen to pounds 800m for February, as import volumes continue to outstrip the rise in exports. The company reporting season is still in full flood, with Argos due to deliver profits of pounds 80m, up 11 per cent, and Wilson Bowden a 39 per cent rise, confirming its reputation as one of Britain's best housebuilders.

Tuesday

The US trade deficit for January is forecast to grow, as exports slow from the strong 0.5 per cent gain of December.

Full-year profits at Prudential Corporation will confirm the pick-up in insurance, with a rise of more than 30 per cent. Meanwhile, Iceland is expected to deliver a 16 per cent uplift, to pounds 64.5m, in the wake of a cool climate in food retailing.

Wednesday

UK retail prices for February will probably show a modest 0.4 per cent rise, despite seasonal increases in food bills and the end of the January sales. A complete change of management at Lasmo has been good news for the oil explorer, but it will still deliver a full year net loss of about pounds 19m on the back of a very weak oil price. Another solid set of results is expected from Britannic Assurance.

Thursday

Fourth quarter GDP should show a 0.8 per cent rise on the previous quarter, maintaining the 2.6 per cent increase year-on-year. Profits at Reckitt & Colman are predicted to increase by 12 per cent, to pounds 277m, while Sun Alliance should turn last year's pounds 130m loss into a pounds 190m profit for the year.

Friday

Opec oil ministers will hold their second quarter meeting in Geneva. The CBI will release its March distributive trends survey.

Sources: NatWest Securities, MMS International

'We have digested Tootal.' - Russell Walls, the finance director of Coats Viyella, on the company's absorption of its acquisition

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in