Investors await news from pubs and shops

Beer sales will come into focus next week with updates from pub chain JD Wetherspoon and brewing giant SAB Miller.

The industry has been hard hit by the recession and the VAT rise has sparked fears that more pubs could close. But,Wetherspoon is expected to have been resilient with offers such as 99p pints. Investors will also be keen to hear the latest retail news from Primark-owner Associated British Foods and Carphone Warehouse.