Business Information Service: This week

Monday 18.10.93

September's public sector borrowing requirement is expected to reach pounds 6.5bn, bringing the cumulative total for the year to just under pounds 25bn. Sir Leon Brittan, the European Community trade commissioner, will visit Lisbon for talks on trade links between the US and Europe.

Tuesday 19.10.93

The sale of its bath and body care brands should leave SmithKlineBeecham debt- free when it reports its third-quarter results. Growth has slowed but even so the group is on target to deliver an 8-10 per cent rise in revenue by the end of the year. Wolseley is expected to report pre-tax profits of pounds 109m, up 19 per cent. The vote on whether to move the German government from Bonn to Berlin in 1998 or 2002 will take place.

Wednesday 20.10.93

Bankand building society lending is expected to fall to pounds 1.8bn, while deposits are expected to rise slightly, reaching 4.1 per cent. A disappointingly small increase of 0.2 per cent in high street spending is predicted, with a 0.2 per cent rise reducing the annual rate of increase to 2.8 per cent. Lloyd's names will vote on whether to allow corporate investors into the market.

Thursday 21.10.93

A slight worsening of the non-EC trade gap is expected. The Bundesbank will hold its normal bi-monthly meeting, though no reduction in rates is expected. Strong sales of Zovira and Retrovir, together with currency gains, should push pre-tax profits at Wellcome up 32 per cent to pounds 665m.

Friday 22.10.93

Third-quarter GDP is predicted to be up 0.5 per cent on the previous quarter, reflecting City expectations that it will reach between 1.7 and 2 per cent for the entire year.