(Adds news items, futures)
Sept 29 - Britain's FTSE 100 .FTSE index is seen opening 26 points higher
at 5,954 on Tuesday, according to financial bookmakers, with futures FFIc1
down 0.1% ahead of cash market open.
* GREGGS: British baker Greggs GRG.L said its sales had improved in
September after a slow August but cautioned that the outlook was uncertain
because of COVID-19 and it would have to cut staff jobs and hours. * PENDRAGON: British auto dealer Pendragon PDG.L said strong performance
since the easing of COVID-19 lockdowns helped it return to profitability in July
and August, after posting a smaller first-half loss. * FCA: Britain's Financial Conduct Authority said it has filed for an
expedited appeal in its business interruption test case as a precaution against
insurers not agreeing by Wednesday to pay out on claims made during the
pandemic. * FERGUSON: Plumbing parts distributor Ferguson FERG.L restored dividend
on Tuesday as cost-reduction measures, including 2,100 job cuts, and resilience
in its main U.S. business helped it report a 4.1% rise in annual
profit. * CARD FACTORY: Britain's Card Factory CARDC.L swung to a first-half loss
and said it was not possible to provide a forecast for the rest of the year as
its retail stores could be affected by a new wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
* OIL: Oil prices fell on Tuesday, paring gains from the previous session,
as persistent demand concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic outweighed hopes
for a new U.S. stimulus package. * GOLD: Gold prices edged up on Tuesday as the U.S. dollar retreated from a
two-month high, with investors looking forward to the first U.S. presidential
debate and developments on a new U.S. coronavirus relief bill. * The UK blue-chip index .FTSE closed up 1.5% on Monday, as Asia-focussed
lender HSBC Holdings HSBA.L jumped 8.9% after Chinese insurance group Ping An
601318.SS , 2318.HK boosted its stake to 8%. For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on:
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