Monday 24 August
– Bunzl interim results
The Share Centre noted Bunzl had a solid start this fiscal year reporting good first quarter figures, however as a result of the coronavirus it opted to cancel its final dividend and suspend guidance. A June update reported it expects to see revenue rise by 5% despite the difficult conditions with increased demand in hygiene and healthcare helping to offset the weaker retail and hospitality segment.
“We continue to see the company’s diversified product and geographic base providing the group’s investors with some defensive qualities that should help provide some comfort in these difficult times,” it said.
– CBI distributive trades surveys
– Germany import price index
Tuesday 25 August
– Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes ‘Unity and Division in Great Britain’ report
– Germany gross domestic product
– US house price index, consumer confidence and new homes sales data
Wednesday 26 August
– Financial Ombudsman Service latest complaint data
– ONS releases stats on working and workless households in the UK from April to June 2020
Aviva head of savings and retirement Alistair McQueen said: “The number of working households is likely to remain unchanged over Q1 and Q2 due in part to the government’s furlough scheme protecting large swaths of jobs during the height of lockdown.
“However, headwinds are confronting the UK labour market and the wider economy. Job losses have already hit many sectors, including travel and retail. This may be a precursor for what is to come in other sectors once the government’s furlough scheme is fully dissolved.”
– Provident Financial interim results
– US crude oil inventories
Thursday 27 August
– US preliminary GDP
– US initial jobless claims
– SMMT: UK automotive manufacturing figures
– Rolls-Royce Holdings interim results
Rolls Royce has been going through a difficult time of late, the Share Centre said, due to troubles with engines and a radical restructuring. The share price has dropped considerably over the last few months as investors question the company’s future outlook alongside credit rating agency downgrades.
“Investors will be hoping for some balance sheet resilience and further clarity from management surrounding the future prospects of the group in terms of future direction and aviation revival forecasts to help revive some confidence.”
– WPP interim results
The Share Centre said the past few years have proved to be difficult for the company, with cuts to future sales growth, the sudden departure of its high profile CEO, along with the loss of contracts from blue chip customers including Pepsi, HSBC and Ford, as well as a profit warning.
“The Covid-19 crisis has added to the pressure and the share price remains close to a 10-year low, ” the Share Centre said. “Any update on cost-cutting measures and current advertising spend will be worth noting.”
Friday 28 August
– HMRC Help to Save statistics
– Nationwide House Price Index
– US personal spending
– Treasury Committee call for evidence on ‘Tax after coronavirus’ closes
