Skip to content

Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

FTSE 100 inches close to record high

After a few days of consolidation, indices were on the rise again. In Europe, equity markets were poised to open higher on Thursday, and in the UK, the FTSE 100 was 80 points away from record high.

Video poster image

(Partial Video Script)

Indicies on the rise again

After a few days of consolidation, indices were on the rise again. In Europe, equity markets were poised to open higher on Thursday, and in the UK, the FTSE 100 was 80 points away from record high.

Australian consumer spending is in the midst of a very weak period, which is the major reason why the RBA softened its stance and left interest rates unchanged at 4.35% this month. In February, Australian retail sales rose by 0.3% MoM, after a January increase of 1.1%. Analysts had anticipated a rise of 0.4%.

In Germany, retail sales unexpectedly fell by 1.9% in February MoM. Economists had anticipated a 0.3% increase. YoY, retail sales declined by 2.7%. Germany unemployment rate forecast to remain at 5.9% for the fourth consecutive month.

As expected, final estimate of UK GDP shows a 0.3% contraction in Q4.

UK car production

UK car production rose by 14.6% in February year-on-year. A total of 79,907 units rolled out of factory lines in the country in February. This was driven by domestic demand, which increased by 58%. Production of electrified vehicles made up more than a third of all output in February.

Expected today in the US: final estimates of Q4 GDP growth rate. economists see an annualised increase of 3.2%. Pending home sales are forecast to rise by 1.5% in February MoM

Walgreens Boots Alliance is set to post its second-quarter earnings results before market open. The street anticipates earnings of 82 cents per share. Revenue should rise by 2.9% to $35.9 billion.

Gold

Gold prices are up for a fifth consecutive day. One consequence of high prices, India's gold imports are set to plunge by more than 90% in March from the previous month. Imports are set to hit their lowest level since the covid-19 pandemic. India is the world's second biggest consumer of gold. Gold demand usually stays strong in March as jewellers stock up for the Indian wedding season which is already in full swing. This is also exacerbated by the weakness of the Indian rupee.

This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.

Seize your opportunity

Deal on the world’s stock indices today.

  • Trade on rising or falling markets
  • Get one-point spreads on the FTSE 100
  • Unrivalled 24-hour pricing

See opportunity on an index?

Try a risk-free trade in your demo account, and see whether you’re on to something.

  • Log in to your demo
  • Try a risk-free trade
  • See whether your hunch pays off

See opportunity on an index?

Don’t miss your chance – upgrade to a live account to take advantage.

  • Get spreads from one point on the FTSE 100
  • Trade more 24-hour indices than any other provider
  • Analyse and deal seamlessly on smart, fast charts

See opportunity on an index?

Don’t miss your chance. Log in to take your position.

Live prices on most popular markets

  • Equities
  • Indices
  • Forex
  • Commodities


Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All share prices are delayed by at least 15 minutes.

Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All shares prices are delayed by at least 15 mins.

Plan your trading week

Get the week’s market-moving news sent directly to your inbox every Sunday. The Week Ahead gives you a full calendar of upcoming economic events, as well as commentary from our expert analysts on the key markets to watch.


For more info on how we might use your data, see our privacy notice and access policy and privacy webpage.

You might be interested in…

Find out what charges your trades could incur with our transparent fee structure.

Discover why so many clients choose us, and what makes us a world-leading provider of spread betting and CFDs.

Stay on top of upcoming market-moving events with our customisable economic calendar.