Markets Overview:

UK 100 called to open -30 points at 6030.  Calls for a negative open come on the back of Japanese export data which showed exports fell 21.9 percent in April year-on-year as US-bound shipments slumped 37.8 percent, the fastest decline since 2009, with car exports there plunging 65.8 percent, this saw the Nikkei fall by 0,2% to trade at 20,552 and the Chinese CSI 300 fall by 0.7% to trade at 3,908, meanwhile in Hong Kong, the Hang Seng also fell by half a percent to close at 24,273.    UK 100 banks could be in focus today as The Bank of England this morning has said it has not ruled out introducing negative interest rates to stimulate the faltering UK economy, A negative interest rate would mean banks would have to pay to keep their excess reserves and in turn encourage lending.  It is however worth noting that following yesterdays market rally the UK 100 has now recovered about 21% from its March lows.

Company News:

AstraZeneca is advancing its ongoing response to address COVID-19, by collaborating with a number of countries and organisations to make the University of Oxford's vaccine widely accessible around the world.

Aviva reported a rise in Q1 sales by 28%, helped by strong bulk annuity sales and it estimated it would pay £160m in coronavirus-related claims. They've stated that early Q2 trends have shown new business sales are down across many of its businesses dues to COVID-19 and that the pandemic would provide 'additional challenges' in meeting their 2022 targets.

EasyJet have announced the resumption of flights from the 15th of June 2020 with new biosecurity measures.

Investec reports FY group operating profit has fell 16.8% to £608.9m and have decided to not declare a final ordinary dividend for 2020.

Pets at Home sees weaker H1 profit as stockpiling demand eases.

Tate & Lyle leaves final dividend unchanged at 20.8p, with a profit before tax of £296m (2019: £240m).

Whitbread announce a rights issue (1 for 2) to raise £1,009m.

Reporting Today:

Mediclinic

Pets at Home

Tate & Lyle

Intetek Group

Kingfisher

Reporting Tomorrow:

Burberry Group

United Utilities

Close Borthers Group

In Focus Today:

UK - Markit Services

US - Initial Jobkess Claims

Today's Ex Dividends:

UK 100 :

Tesco

Morrisons

Intertek

Sage

:

Avast

Brewin Dolphin Holdings

NextEnergy Solar Fund

Witan Investment Trust

Pershing Square Holdings

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