The UK blue chip index closed 59.53 points, or 1.4 percent lower on Thursday at 4,121.11, the seventh straight session of losses.
Banks are expected to lead the rally in London after news the U.S. Senate voted to approve the release of the second half of the U.S. banks bail-out fund easing pressure on the hard-pressed sector as the earnings season arrives.
The banking sector has been under severe pressure in recent sessions on worries over balance sheet strength, possible further capital raisings, and concerns over earnings and outlooks across the Atlantic.
However, UK banks are likely to remain volatile as the government's ban on short selling of 34 major financial stocks expired Friday.
UK stocks to watch on Friday are:
BELLWAY
The housebuilder issues a trading update, hosts its annual general meeting.
SMITHS NEWS
The newspaper distributor will issue a trading update.
SCOTTY GROUP
The video communications equipment group holds its annual general meeting.
(Reporting by Jon Hopkins; Editing by Mike Nesbit)
LONDON (Reuters)
Banks are expected to lead the rally in London after news the U.S. Senate voted to approve the release of the second half of the U.S. banks bail-out fund easing pressure on the hard-pressed sector as the earnings season arrives.
The banking sector has been under severe pressure in recent sessions on worries over balance sheet strength, possible further capital raisings, and concerns over earnings and outlooks across the Atlantic.
However, UK banks are likely to remain volatile as the government's ban on short selling of 34 major financial stocks expired Friday.
UK stocks to watch on Friday are:
BELLWAY
The housebuilder issues a trading update, hosts its annual general meeting.
SMITHS NEWS
The newspaper distributor will issue a trading update.
SCOTTY GROUP
The video communications equipment group holds its annual general meeting.
(Reporting by Jon Hopkins; Editing by Mike Nesbit)
LONDON (Reuters)
