Barely into the new year and already interest rates are setting the agenda with a starring role in the global stock market malaise. With interest rate rises clearly on the cards in Britain, Europe and the US, the general view is that Britain will lead the way this week with a rise of 25 basis points when it announces a decision on Wednesday.
Data from the US will also be watched closely for indications pointing to a rate rise at its next meeting. Such a rise is increasingly expected.
Jurys Doyle: Jurys Doyle produces its maiden set of interim figures tomorrow as a merged group in what has been another strong six months for the hotel industry. Analysts will be particularly interested in any associated comment on the outlook for the industry as the hotel-building boom in the capital continues. Word on how successful the integration of the two quite different hotel groups into one outfit will also be welcomed.
Marks & Spencer: One trading statement which is eagerly awaited is that of Marks & Spencer, which on Wednesday reports how its crucial Christmas trading has fared. Analysts are expecting the figures to show a sharp fall on last year's sales.
M&S, which last year reported a dive in profits, is widely seen as a takeover target, but any potential bidder is expected to wait until the trading statement is out before launching a offer.
Monday
Results: Hacas Group, Hampson Industries (H1), Pace Micro Technology (H1), Ward Holdings.
A.G.M.: BGI Endowment Fund II, Greenalls, Orchard Furniture (e.g.m.).
Indicators: German consumer porices (Dec).
Others: Construction Industry Federation outlines prospects for the industry.
Tuesday
Results: Anite Group (H1), Chemring Group, Club Mediterranee, Ellis & Everard (H1), Jurys Doyle Hotel (H1), Osmetech (H1), Precoat International (H1), Savills (H1).
A.G.M.: Card Clear (e.g.m.), Evestment Co (e.g.m.), Majedie Investments, Minorplanet Systems, Newcastle United (e.g.m.), Whitecroft (e.g.m.).
Indicators: US wholesale trade (Dec) and Chicago Federal index (Nov); Japanese wholesale prices (Dec); German current account (Nov) and trade balance (Nov); Italian business confidence (Nov).
Wednesday
Results: Dixons (H1), Premier Asset Management, Lifetime Assurance, Randstad, Reg Vardy (H1).
A.G.M.: Diploma, MJ Gleeson, Towry Law (e.g.m.), Wigmore Property.
Meetings: Bank of England monetary policy committee (to Thurs).
Indicators: US import/export prices (Dec) and Atlanta Federal Index (Dec); French consumer prices (Dec); German GDP.
Others: Marks & Spencer gives trading update; Enterprise Ireland publishes its end-year statement for 1999; Comms 2000 IT event (RDS to Fri); Repak introduces recycling initiative (Conrad Hotel, Dublin).
Thursday
Results: Abbey (H1), Capital Bars (H1), Greenwich Resources, Kleeneze (H1), Tomkins (H1).
A.G.M.: Carr's Milling, Geo Interactive (e.g.m.), PNC Tele.Com (e.g.m.), Royal Bank Scotland, United News & Media (e.g.m.).
Meetings: Irish Association of Pension Funds "Investment Outlook 2000" seminar (University Industry Centre, UCD; UCC Commerce and Economics Society annual conference (Jurys Hotel, Cork).
Indicators: EMU industrial production (Oct) and producer prices (Nov); British housing starts/ completions (Nov); US producer prices (Dec) and retail sales (Dec), plus weekly jobs and monetary data; German retail sales (Nov); French GDP (Q3).
Others: Bank of England monetary policy committee to announce decision on interest rates; Kingfisher reports trading results.
Friday
Results: Old Monk Co (H1), WF Electrical (H1).
A.G.M.: Enterprise Capital (e.g.m.), Get Group, NatWest Bank (e.g.m.), Shires Income (e.g.m.).
Indicators: US consumer prices (Dec), business inventories (Nov), capacity utilisation (Dec), industrial production (Dec), real earnings (Dec) and Michigan Sentiment Survey (Jan); French current account (Oct).
Others: Mannesmann issues official statement on Vodafone AirTouch's hostile bid
