Inflation, wage data and MPC minutes in focus

THERE is really only one event that dominates this week, with Thursday’s independence referendum having big implications for the stock market, currency exchanges and business in general.

Inflation is expected to show stability or a modest easing amid the on-going supermarket price wars. Picture: AFP

However, one or two other items on the economic front will be studied closely, including tomorrow’s inflation numbers. They are expected to show some stability or possibly even a modest easing in August amid the on-going supermarket price war and weaker oil prices.

Wednesday sees the latest Bank of England minutes and wage data from the Office for National Statistics while across the pond, in the US, the Federal Reserve is expected to hold firm on interest rates. Comments from chair Janet Yellen will be scrutinised for hints on when rates might rise.

WEEK AHEAD

Tomorrow

• Inflation data – Consumer prices are expected to have been stable at 1.6 per cent in August following the spike earlier this summer.

• Iomart – Deadline for Cinven to make a bid for the Glasgow–based web-hosting business.

• Craneware – Full–year results are due from the Edinburgh–based maker of software for US hospitals.

Wednesday

• MPC minutes – Analysts will be keen to see if any of the other seven monetary policy committee members joined Martin Weale and Ian McCafferty in voting for a hike in interest rates.

• JD Sports Fashion – An unpredictable summer for sports retailers following England’s miserable World Cup is likely to be highlighted by the firm.

• Smiths Group – The world’s biggest maker of airport and port scanners celebrated 100 years on the stock market in August but few investors are likely to cheer full–year results.

Thursday

• Independence? – The day is sure to be dominated by Scotland’s big decision on whether or not to go it alone.

• French Connection – The fashion chain is expected to show further progress towards its turnaround when it posts half–year figures.