View our top six stories to look out for this week (11-15 September), plus our key company earnings schedule.
BoE rate decision, UK data and global event risks
Our chief market analyst, Michael Hewson examines the current risks from global events, including hurricane Irma, North Korea and US dollar weakness, as well as looking ahead to this week’s important UK data and the Bank of England rate decision.
Traders await big Apple announcement
Tuesday: This week Apple launches its widely anticipated iPhone 8, along with Apple Watch updates. While fans will be focusing on the iPhone, the next version of Apple TV may also be unveiled. Apple TV has previously been left behind by Amazon and Netflix, who have dominated the pay and streaming TV space. Is it too late or will the new Apple TV be their latest killer product?
How will UK data affect the BoE rate decision?
Tuesday-Thursday: The gap between wages (Wed) and prices (Tue) will be in the spotlight again this week ahead of Thursday's Bank of England rate decision (Thu). There's been evidence in recent months that inflation might be reaching a ceiling, while wages appear to be picking up. If the gap continues to narrow this week in favour of wages, the Bank may need to consider tightening monetary policy.
Will Dunelm's results calm shareholder anxieties?
Wednesday: It's been a difficult year for Dunelm, but a positive trading update in July, helped by the recent acquisition of Worldstores, suggested business was improving. However, last month's news that CEO John Browett was stepping down has raised concerns, adding to uncertainty around the homeware retailer's long-term strategy. This week’s annual results could give the board an opportunity to reassure shareholders.
Is the Chinese economy slowing?
Thursday: The recent slowing in the pace of imports and exports seems to suggest that domestic demand could be decelerating. Following a stronger-than-expected Q2, could this point to a slowdown in the Chinese economy? This week's retail sales and industrial production data could provide some clarity.
US retail sales and inflation data due
Thursday & Friday: After a slow start to the year, US consumers have finally started to show signs of life with some strong numbers over the summer months, helped by rising consumer confidence and decent jobs growth. Will this summer rebound translate into three consecutive months of fairly strong consumer activity, despite concerns about rising consumer credit acting as a brake on consumption?
Open a live account or log in to access the instruments shown in bold on the platform. Remember, losses can exceed deposits.
Index dividend schedule
If you trade indices, dividend payments from an index's constituent shares can result in either a credit or debit to your account.
View this week's indices dividend drop points table
Selected UK & US company earnings schedule
| Monday 11 September | Results |
| Abcam (UK) | Full-year |
| HgCapital Trust (UK) | Half-year |
| Investors Real Estate Trust (US) | Q1 |
| Layne Christensen (US) | Q2 |
| Limoneira (US) | Q3 |
| Petropavlovsk (UK) | Half-year |
| Tuesday 12 September | Results |
| Ashtead Group (UK) | Q1 |
| Empiric Student Property (UK) | Full-year |
| Hilton Food Group (UK) | Half-year |
| JD Sports (UK) | Half-year |
| Servelec Group (UK) | Half-year |
| Smart Metering Systems (UK) | Half-year |
| Vernalis (UK) | Full-year |
| Wednesday 13 September | Results |
| Advanced Medical Solutions Group (UK) | Half-year |
| Applied Genetic Technologies (US) | Q4 |
| Brady (US) | Q4 |
| Cracker Barrel Old Country Store(US) | Q4 |
| Dunelm Group (UK) | Full-year |
| Galliford Try (UK) | Full-year |
| Just Group (UK) | Half-year |
| Soco International (UK) | Half-year |
| United Natural Foods (US) | Q4 |
| Thursday 14 September | Results |
| Morrison Supermarkets (UK) | Half-year |
| Next (UK) | Half-year |
| Ophir Energy (UK) | Half-year |
| Ricardo (UK) | Full-year |
| Spire Healthcare Group (UK) | Half-year |
| Friday 15 September | Results |
| JD Wetherspoon (UK) | Full-year |
| StoneMor Partners (US) | Q4 |
Company announcements are subject to change. All the events listed above were correct at the time of writing.
CMC Markets is an execution-only service provider. The material (whether or not it states any opinions) is for general information purposes only, and does not take into account your personal circumstances or objectives. Nothing in this material is (or should be considered to be) financial, investment or other advice on which reliance should be placed. No opinion given in the material constitutes a recommendation by CMC Markets or the author that any particular investment, security, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.
