Week ahead: Prudential shareholders can expect good news on dividends

Prudential, the life insurer soon to be lead by Tidjane Thiam, is expected to announce a 6p dividend to shareholders this week.

This would be flat on the payment made at last year's interim results, pleasing investors fearing cuts similar to those made by Aviva and Legal & General. Friends Provident investors will look also for strong results this week. Other firms reporting include baker Greggs and Balfour Beatty, the construction and engineering group.