We ask one of our brokers to highlight two pieces of market data or news which they consider to be worth keeping an eye on this month.
The broker is deliberately given no specific remit or distinction between data, stocks, results or events simply an identification of news which he believes will have a significant impact on the market as a whole or on a specific stock.
17th June - Thomas Cook Group Interim Results
Thomas cook is one of two leisure travel companies listed on the FTSE 100 and their interims will act as a guide to how other comparable companies are performing.
The recent strength in the Euro has resulted in strong transitional gains and the company recently stated they are confident in meeting full year expectations.
However, oil prices continue to rise and airlines continue to pass on these increased costs to passengers. As a result, the price of package holidays are rising and investors are concerned that these price rises will affect demand at Thomas Cook?
25th June - US Federal Reserve Interest Rate Decision
The emphasis on interest rates looks set to remain strong for the foreseeable future.
The US central bank has slashed Interest Rates this year in a bid to boost economic momentum.
However the FED has expressed concern about inflationary pressures in recent weeks, as world oil prices have rocketed to record highs.
Could the recent strength in the dollar be giving us an early indication of where interest rates are heading across the pond?
21st May – Bank of England Interest Rate Decision.
The extension of Mervyn King’s term as Bank of England governor ensures he can stay on for what looks like a rollercoaster ride ahead for global interest rates. After the 125bp cut by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in the last two weeks of January, the Bank of England is widely expected to follow with a 25bp cut to 5.25%. However, will the fears of rising inflation prevent them from cutting rates and if they do cut, to what level do they ultimately go?
19th February – Barclays Bank Annual Results.
Barclays Bank is among the first of the main UK banks to report their full year results in 2008.
Their shares have fallen over 40% since February last year and there is much anticipation about how bad the news will be. Consensus estimates show a profit before tax and earnings per share rising by around 6% this year, however the outlook and the extent of further possible write downs continue to weigh on sentiment.