Business Information Service: This Week

Monday

November's broad money supply is expected to increase by 0.4 per cent, after a full percentage point jump in October. The provisional out-turn for the narrow money supply - 0.4 per cent - has already been published. However, lending, which is predicted to reach pounds 2bn for the month, should show little change. Third quarter GDP is likely to show a 1.9 per cent rise on the same period last year. The absence of any interim or final results heralds a quiet run-up to the Christmas holiday, although a number of companies will be holding egms, including Heywood Williams, the building materials manufacturer.

Tuesday

The non-EC trade deficit is expected to widen to pounds 700m for November, after a reversal of October's surge in exports, which saw underlying export volume rise by 11 per cent and underlying import volume by 2.5 per cent. Instrument manufacturer Eurotherm is predicted to unveil pre-tax profits up 36 per cent to pounds 19.9m for the full year, as continuing cost reductions and the new chief executive's restructuring plans start to take effect.

Wednesday

Wessex Water will conclude the latest round of interim results at the water utilities. Efficiency and its substantial unregulated earnings should help the company to deliver pre-tax profits of pounds 55m, putting it well on target for a 25 per cent rise in the full year.

Thursday

Japan's markets will be closed for a national holiday. A batch of minor economic statistics, together with November's figures for durable orders and personal income, are expected to indicate the continuing sluggish recovery in the US.

Friday

The US markets will close for the day. The UK Liffe will close at noon.