May 15 (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 .FTSE index is expected to open 11
points higher at 7,252 on Wednesday, according to financial bookmakers.
* PETRA DIAMONDS: Petra Diamonds PDL.L said on Tuesday it sold a
425-carat diamond, recovered at its flagship Cullinan mine in South Africa in
March, to Belgium-based Stargems Group for $15 million, potentially helping it
turn free cash flow positive this year. * RIO TINTO: A large proportion of the minority shareholders in Rio Tinto
Plc-controlled RIO.AX RIO.L Turquoise Hill Resources TRQ.TO voted against
the re-election of the company's independent directors on Tuesday. * STANDARD LIFE ABERDEEN: More than 40% of shareholders in Standard Life
Aberdeen (SLA) SLA.L voted against the company's pay report at its annual
general meeting on Tuesday, which SLA said was due to concern about its new
chief financial officer's (CFO) pay.
* OIL: Oil prices fell on Wednesday after data showed a surprise rise in
U.S. crude stockpiles and Chinese industrial output for April grew less than
expected, but prices were supported by mounting tensions in the Middle
East. * GOLD: Gold prices edged lower on Wednesday, retreating from a one-month
peak hit in the previous session as optimism surrounding trade talks between
Washington and Beijing soothed investor concerns, boosting global stocks and the
dollar. * The UK blue chip index closed 1.09% higher at 7241.60 on Tuesday as
investors grew optimistic about a U.S.-China trade deal after U.S. President
Donald Trump vowed it would happen soon, while demand for vegan sausage rolls
propelled baker Greggs to a record high. * For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on:
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* UK CORPORATE DIARY:
British Land BLND.L Full year result
Compass Group CPG.L Half year result
Experian EXPN.L Full year result
Spirax-Sarco Engineering SPX.L Trading Update
Crest Nicholson CRST.L Trading Update
William Hill WMH.L Trading Update
CYBG CYBGC.L Half year result
TP ICAP TCAPI.L Trading Update
Provident PFG.L Statement on NSF deadline
Aston Martin AML.L Q1 Trading Update
Cineworld CINE.L Q1 Trading Update
SSP SSPG.L Half year result
Stobart STOB.L Full year result
Marston's MARS.L Half year result
Ocean Outdoor OOUT.L Half year result
Hargreaves Lansdown HRGV.L Q3 results
Brewin Dolphin BRW.L Half year result
Kingfisher KGF.L Q1 Trading Update
TODAY'S UK PAPERS
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