Business Information Service: Business week ahead

Monday 20.6.94

The economic climate will improve this week, with more activity on the corporate front and among the electricity companies in particular. The broad money supply is expected to rise by 0.4 per cent for May, while lending should return to some pounds 1.9bn after an unusually small increase in April. British Steel should return to profitability for the first time since 1991, with full-year profits of pounds 82m.

Tuesday 21.6.94

The non-EU trade deficit is likely to rise to pounds 600m in May after a rare oil surplus in April. Ready meals should continue to keep Hazlewood Foods healthy, despite losses from disposing of several subsidiaries. The group is expected to report a 6 per cent drop in profits, from pounds 55m to pounds 51.5m. An estimated 20 per cent rise in profits, to pounds 105m, at Wessex Water, should bring the water companies' season to a sparkling conclusion.

Wednesday 22.6.94

Carpetright is predicted to deliver a 73 per cent lift in profits, to pounds 11.3m, although saturation of the market and lookalike rivals remain a threat. A dire performance is expected from Shanks & McEwan after management warned of pounds 20m in provisions.

Thursday 23.6.94

Interim results at TSB Group are expected to show profits more than doubled, from pounds 80m to pounds 196m, as bad loans decline.

Friday 24.6.94

First-quarter figures for GDP are expected to see a 0.7 per cent rise, while the first-quarter balance of payments deteriorates by some pounds 2.2bn. A successor will be chosen to Jacques Delors, president of the European Commission

Sources: NatWest Securities, MMS International.