London pre-open: Stocks to extend yesterday's sharp decline

9th Oct 2013 07:39

City sources predict the FTSE 100 will open around 14 points lower than Tuesday's close of 6,365.83, with the index falling to levels not seen in over three months.Today's decline will track the steep falls seen in US stocks last night, dragged lower by the ongoing government shutdown and nervousness ahead of the start of third-quarter reporting season.The International Monetary Fund (IMF) also dampened sentiment after cutting its outlook for global economic growth and warning that a US default could "seriously damage" the world economy.On today's agenda, UK industrial and manufacturing production figures will be unveiled, along with the nation's latest trade balance data.Industrial output in August fell 0.7% year-on-year in August, compared to a 1.6% decline in July, according to consensus estimates.Manufacturing activity, on the other hand, is expected to rise 1% in August, up from a 0.7% drop the previous month.Britain's latest trade balance statistics will also be released, with analysts predicting a deficit of £2,050m in August after £3,085m in July.The data comes a day ahead of the Bank of England's interest rate decision, when the central bank is likely to turn to data to analyse the progress of the UK's economic recovery. Also on the cards today, the Federal Reserve will release minutes from last month's policy meeting, when it shocked investors with its decision to keep its stimulus measures and interest rate unchanged. The minutes will likely shed further light on those who are for and against a scaling back of the US central bank's $85bn per month in bond purchases.Back in the UK, and on the company news front, Fresnillo has announced that the temporary suspension of Minera Penmont's explosives permit at Noche Buena has been lifted and operations have restarted. The group also said that it is confident that the temporary suspension of explosive permits at Herradura and Soledad will also be lifted in the near future, once the Mexian Ministry of Defense has sought further clarity on the matter. Vedanta Resources reported record oil and gas production and a rise in the output of refined zinc, lead and silver in the second quarter. The company achieved an average gross operated production and working interest production of 213,299 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) and 132,862 boepd, respectively, both 3% higher than a year earlier. Mined metal production jumped by 16% and the group expects to deliver about 950,000 tonnes during the year.Pubs owner and ale brewer Marston's said its performance for the second half-year has been encouraging, with the heatwave over the summer offsetting poor weather during the first half. In Destination and Premium pubs, like-for-like (LFL) sales rose 2.2% from last year including LFL food sales growth of 3.7%. LFL wet sales grew 0.2%.NR