Oct 2 - Britain's FTSE 100 .FTSE index is seen opening 16 points lower at
5,863 on Friday, according to financial bookmakers.
* DRAPER ESPRIT: London-based venture capital firm Draper Esprit GROW.L
said on Thursday it plans to raise 100 million pounds ($128.65 million) in
equity to invest in digital transition opportunities brought on by the COVID-19
pandemic. * IAG: British Airways owner IAG ICAG.L announced the results of its
2.74-billion-euro capital increase, saying on Thursday that it sold 100% of the
new shares in its plan to help strengthen its pandemic-hit finances.
* GOLD: Gold was headed on Friday for its best weekly gain in nearly two
months, despite prices slipping from a more than one-week high as the dollar
strengthened amid doubts regarding the U.S. stimulus package. * OIL: Oil prices extended losses to fall around 2% on Friday after U.S.
President Donald Trump tested positive for the coronavirus, while a U.S.
stimulus package eluded negotiators amid ongoing worries about demand.
* The UK blue-chip index .FTSE closed up 0.2% on Thursday on hopes of more
U.S. stimulus and signs that the British government would not impose another
sweeping national lockdown, but a slide in oil stocks capped gains. * For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on:
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($1 = 0.7773 pounds)