(Adds company news items and futures)
Oct 9 (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 .FTSE index is seen opening up 23
points at 7,166 on Wednesday, according to financial bookmakers with futures up
0.02% ahead of cash markets open.
*GVC: Ladbrokes-owner GVC.L on Wednesday raised its full-year core
earnings forecast for the second time, as betting shops proved resilient despite
tighter regulation and online gambling rose. *KINGFISHER: British home improvement group KGF.L has appointed Bernard
Bot as chief financial officer, it said on Wednesday. *VOLUTION: The ventilation products supplier FAN.L on Wednesday said it
has increased inventory of "some fast-moving" items as Britain approaches the
deadline for a potential no-deal exit from the European Union. *OIL: Oil prices slipped for a third consecutive session on Wednesday as the
prospect of the United States and China striking a trade deal in talks this week
dimmed, raising uncertainties for global economic growth and oil
demand.
*GOLD: Gold prices held firm on Wednesday as sagging hopes for progress in
U.S.-China trade negotiations sapped risk appetite, with markets watching
closely for clues on monetary easing by the U.S. Federal Reserve. * The UK blue-chip index closed down 0.8% on Tuesday as domestic-focused
stocks from Tesco to housebuilders sank on worries over a no-deal Brexit, while
LSE fell after the Hong Kong bourse dropped its takeover bid.
* For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on:
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