IDS results posted and Burberry to reveal strategy update, Thursday’s Agenda

Jeremey Hunt has already warned that the Autumn Statement will see “eye-watering” decisions that need to be made on spending cuts and tax increases, with many moving parts that investors will want to keep an eye out for (see the full Autumn Statement preview here)

Before that, there will be a busy morning of financial news, including from Royal Mail owner International Distributions Services PLC (LSE:IDS) (International Distributions Services PLC (LSE:IDS)), which will report half-year results amid a continued uncomfortable atmosphere for investors, management and workers.

Despite sector peers reporting strong market dynamics, a big focus for the FTSE 250-listed group will be on any updates on the impact strikes are having on business performance (see full IDS preview here).

Burberry Group PLC (LSE:BRBY) shares were given a double boost ahead of its interim results which will be posted, when a strategy update is also expected from new boss Jonathan Akeroyd.

The British upmarket fashion retailer was seen in a better light by investors following positive results from luxury peer Richemont.

Additionally, the FTSE 100-listed group and its peers are seen as receiving a boost from easing lockdown measures in China.

According to analysts at Barclays, Akeroyd’s strategic review is expected to see the focus on “brand elevation” to continue and they don’t anticipate any drastic changes (read the full Burberry preview here).

For incomes investors, Halma PLC (LSE:HLMA) has long been one to watch, with its first-half pre-close update confirming progress in line with the board’s expectations.

“Cash conversion will reflect targeted investment in working capital to maintain supply chain resilience, but the balance sheet strength also leaves plenty of scope to invest in future organic growth and acquisitions,” said broker Peel Hunt.

Significant announcements

Finals: Grainger Plc (LSE:GRI), Virgin Money UK PLC (LSE:VMUK)

Interims: Burberry Group PLC (LSE:BRBY), Great Portland Estates (LSE:GPOR) PLC, Halma PLC, Intermediate Capital Group (LSE:ICP) PLC, International Distribution Services PLC, Investec PLC (LSE:INVP), Mitie Group PLC (LSE:MTO), Pershing Square Holdings (LSE:PSH) PLC, Syncona Limited (LSE:SYNC)

Trading updates: Close Brothers Group PLC (LSE:CBG), Spirax-Sarco Engineering (LSE:SPX) PLC

AGMs: Advance Energy PLC (AIM:ADV), Close Brothers Group PLC, Cordel Group PLC (AIM:CRDL), Eagle Eye Solutions Group PLC (AIM:EYE), Finsbury Food Group (AIM:FIF) PLC, J D Wetherspoon PLC, Kier Group PLC (LSE:KIE), New Star Investment Trust PLC, Seraphim Space Investment Trust PLC (LSE:SSIT), Supermarket Income REIT PLC (LSE:SUPR, OTC:SUPIF), Thor Mining PLC (AIM:THR, OTC:THORF, ASX:THR), Thorpe PLC

Ex-dividends to reduce FTSE 100 by: 6.47 points (AVEVA, B&M European Value, Bunzl, DCC, GSK, Pershing Square Holdings, Unilever)

Economic announcements: Building Permits (US), Continuing Claims (US), Housing Starts (US), Initial Jobless Claims (US)

US earnings: Alibaba Group (NYSE:BABA), JD.com, Applied Materials, Palo Alto Networks