(Adds futures, news items)
Britain's FTSE 100 .FTSE index is seen opening 24 points lower at 6,166 on
Wednesday, according to financial bookmakers, with futures FFIc1 down 1% ahead
of cash markets open.
* ASTRAZENECA: AstraZeneca Plc AZN.L and Merck & Co Inc MRK.N said their
blockbuster cancer treatment Lynparza won approval in the European Union for
treating patients with a form of pancreatic cancer. * BOOHOO: Online fashion retailer Boohoo said it was launching an
independent review of its supply chain in Britain, led by a senior lawyer,
following a media report about dire working conditions in one English
factory. * FUNDING CIRCLE: Funding Circle FCH.L will cut around 85 jobs in its U.S.
business, the British-based peer-to-peer lending platform said. * FIRSTGROUP: UK-based bus and rail operator FirstGroup FGP.L warned on
its ability to continue as a going concern, after posting an annual operating
loss. * INSURANCE: Commercial insurers are facing hefty claims from the
coronavirus crisis but are also seeing a steep rise in premiums – tempting
companies and industry veterans to raise capital, launch new businesses or
expand into new lines. * OIL: Oil prices dipped after industry data showing a build in U.S. crude
stockpiles added to worries about oversupply. * GOLD: Gold steadied near a more than eight-year high, as worries over
surging COVID-19 cases and hopes of more stimulus measures from the U.S. Federal
Reserve lifted demand for the safe-haven metal. * The UK blue-chip index .FTSE fell 1.5% on Tuesday, as a surge in U.S.
coronavirus cases turned investors away from riskier trades. * For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on:
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TODAY'S UK PAPERS
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