(Add company news items, futures)
Oct 21 (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 .FTSE index is seen opening 18
points higher at 5,907 on Wednesday, according to financial bookmakers, with
futures up 0.09% ahead of cash market open.
* ANTOFAGASTA: Chilean miner Antofagasta ANTO.L reported a 4.6% drop in
third-quarter output on the previous quarter but maintained its 2020 production
guidance. * WILLIAM HILL: British bookmaker William Hill WMH.L warned that further
local lockdowns triggered by a fast-spreading second coronavirus wave would hit
core earnings, as it posted lower third-quarter revenue due to a fall in gaming
revenue. * METRO BANK: Britain's Metro Bank MTRO.L reported a 2% increase in
lending for the third quarter, but warned its capital levels remain below
buffers expected by regulators as it grapples with the impact of the COVID-19
pandemic. * FRC: Accounting watchdog Financial Reporting Council has called on firms
to ensure reports and accounts remain clear, consistent and relevant against a
backdrop of increased economic uncertainty brought by the pandemic. * GOLD: Gold prices rose as optimism that U.S. lawmakers could reach
agreement on a pre-election coronavirus relief package pressured the dollar and
bolstered the precious metal's appeal as an inflation hedge. * OIL: Oil prices eased after a surprise build-up in U.S. crude stockpiles
stoked concerns about a global supply glut even as a spike in global COVID-19
cases fuelled fears of slower recovery in fuel demand. * The UK blue-chip index .FTSE closed 0.1% higher on Tuesday as investors
remained hopeful of a trade deal with the European Union by year-end, although
gains were capped by concerns over tougher coronavirus lockdowns in parts of
England.
* For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on:
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