(Adds futures, news items)
June 24 (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 .FTSE index is seen opening 18
points lower at 6,303 on Wednesday, according to financial bookmakers, with
futures FFIc1 down 0.7% ahead of cash markets open.
* PERSIMMON: British house-builder Persimmon PSN.L has poached Dean Finch
from transport operator National Express NEX.L to succeed David Jenkinson as
chief executive. * PREMIER FOODS: Mr Kipling cakes maker Premier Foods Plc PFD.L said it
expected revenue and trading profit for the new year to exceed current
estimates, encouraged by around 20% sales jump in the first-quarter. * NAKED WINES: Online wine subscription company Naked Wines WINEW.L said
revenue soared 81% during the first two months of fiscal year 2021. * CREST NICHOLSON: British homebuilder Crest Nicholson CRST.L posted a
first-half pretax loss, citing political uncertainty and coronavirus
disruptions. * OIL: Oil futures dropped, extending losses from the previous day, after
U.S. crude stockpiles grew more than expected, adding to worries about
oversupply. * GOLD: Gold prices climbed to its highest level in nearly eight years, as
demand for the safe-haven asset was boosted by worries over a surge in
coronavirus infections. * The UK blue-chip index .FTSE closed up 1.2% on Tuesday, as Prime
Minister Boris Johnson took more steps to relax the country's coronavirus
lockdown. * For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on:
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