Date xxxx (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 .FTSE index is seen opening 30
points lower on Wednesday, according to financial bookmakers.
* TRADE TALKS: The United States and Britain launched formal negotiations on
a free trade agreement on Tuesday, vowing to work quickly to seal a deal that
could counter the massive drag of the coronavirus pandemic on trade flows and
the two allies' economies. * HSBC: HSBC Holdings HSBA.L has filed an application to the Singapore
High Court to place Zenrock Commodities Trading Pte Ltd under judicial
management, three people familiar with the matter said. * OIL: Oil prices fell, ending a multi-day streak of gains, as investors
focused on oversupply risks after U.S. crude inventories rose more than expected
amid a slump in demand caused by restrictions to halt the coronavirus
spread. O/R
* GOLD: Gold prices slipped as the gradual easing of some coronavirus-led
restrictions by several nations raised prospects of more global economic
activity, denting demand for the safe-haven metal. GOL/
* METALS: London copper prices rose to their highest in nearly a week on
Wednesday, amid hopes of better demand as countries start to ease
coronavirus-induced restrictions. MET/L
* A surge in big oil companies boosted Britain's FTSE 100 on Tuesday, with
investors counting on a revival in economic activity as several countries
emerged from coronavirus lockdowns. UK CORPORATE DIARY:
Virgin Money UK VMUK.L Half Year Earnings Release
Onesavings Bank OSBO.L Q1 Trading Update
Smith & Nephew SN.L Q1 2020 Trading Statement
Direct Line DLGD.L Q1 2020 Trading Update
Metro bank MTRO.L Q1 Results
Imperial Brands IMB.L Half Year Earnings Release
ITV ITV.L Trading Statement
Ocado OCDO.L Trading Statement
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TODAY'S UK PAPERS
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