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London stocks were mixed on Friday following a subdued
session in Asia, as market participants anticipate the release of the latest US
non-farm payrolls report.
On the macroeconomic front, there are no significant UK data
releases scheduled for today. However, in the United States, the non-farm
payrolls report for November is set to be released at 13:30 GMT, accompanied by
the unemployment rate and average earnings data.
Asia-Pacific markets mostly declined on Friday, as investors
evaluated November's pay and household spending data from Japan.
Oil prices increased in early Asian trade and are on track
for a third consecutive week of gains, driven by heightened fuel demand for
heating due to icy conditions in parts of the United States and Europe.
Gold prices remained close to a four-week high on Friday,
set for their strongest week since mid-November, as investors awaited U.S. jobs
data to assess how aggressively the Federal Reserve might reduce interest rates
this year.
In UK corporate news, supermarket chain Sainsbury’s reported
a 3.8% increase in sales over the Christmas period. The company stated it
expected to achieve a full-year underlying retail operating profit at the
mid-point of its £1.01bn - £1.06bn guidance range, indicating approximately 7%
growth.
According to a trading statement, party food sales rose by
nearly 40% in the six weeks leading up to 4th January, with more
than 200 bottles of fizz sold every minute during the key days before
Christmas.
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