0643 GMT - The FTSE 100 is expected to open 57.8 points, or 0.7%, higher, according to IG, having closed on Wednesday at 8187.46. U.K. data showed wages slowed in line with expectations, keeping alive the possibility that the Bank of England could cut interest rates next month, although growth of 5.7% excluding bonuses could be uncomfortably high for some policymakers. Focus turns to a European Central Bank decision at 1215 GMT, with rates expected to be left on hold but the central bank might offer hints about when its next rate cut will likely be. "Netflix becomes the first of the closely-watched big tech stocks to report, as earnings season moves into high gear," IG analysts write. (jessica.fleetham@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
July 18, 2024 02:43 ET (06:43 GMT)
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