Wednesday preview: Economic data for March unveiled

All eyes will on be on the release of new macro-economic data on Friday including consumer confidence in the UK and Germany.

Germany's consumer confidence is expected to rise for a second month in March, according to market research company GFK.

An improving economic outlook and stable labour market has encouraged household spending over the past month, the Nuremberg-based company said.

GFK forecast an increase to 5.9 next month from 5.8 in February.

The Bundesbank this month anticipated that Europe's largest economy to return to growth in the current quarter.

Business and investor confidence both rose more than analysts' expectations this month.

Meanwhile UK's consumer confidence data for March is expected to reflect a better jobs market.

"We would expect the forthcoming March GFK consumer report to strike a similar tone, with the jobs market having continued to recover" said Investec's Victoria Cadman.

"But any firmer rebound in confidence does however look to be a way off, with UK economic indicators having remained soft over the month and with the budget starting to headline in many of the papers in early March, reminding households that difficult times still lie ahead."

Wednesday March 27th

INTERIMS

Proactis Holdings

INTERIM EX-DIVIDEND DATE

Abbey, Air Partner, British Sky Broadcasting Group, Mobeus Income & Growth 2 Vct, Photo-Me International, Smiths Group, Tristel, Ultimate Finance Group

QUARTERLY EX-DIVIDEND DATE

Africa Opportunity Fund Ltd., British Land Co, Mercantile Investment Trust (The), Schroder Income Growth Fund

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Business Climate Indicator (EU) (10:00)

Crude Oil Inventories (US) (14:30)

Economic Sentiment Indicator (EU) (10:00)

GFK Consumer Confidence (GER) (07:00)

MBA Mortgage Applications (US) (11:00)

Pending Homes Sales (US) (14:00)

FINALS

ACTA S.P.A, Alpha Bank GDR (Reg S) USD, Biome Technologies, Henry Boot, IFG Group, Instem

ANNUAL REPORT

Capital & Counties Properties

SPECIAL EX-DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

DP World Limited, Impellam Group, Ortus VCT

AGMS

Amino Technologies, Beazley, Enables IT Group, Jupiter Second Split Trust Geared Gwth Shares, MCB Bank Ltd GDR (Reg S), Milestone Group, St. Modwen Properties, SVG Capital

UK ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Balance of Payments (09:30)

Current Account (09:30)

GDP (quarterly national accounts) (09:30)

GFK Consumer Confidence (00:01)

Index of Services (09:30)

FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

Catco Reinsurance Opportunities Fund Ltd (DI)

FINAL EX-DIVIDEND DATE

Amino Technologies, Argo Group Ltd., Bovis Homes Group, Devro, DP World Limited, Driver Group, John Laing Infrastructure Fund Ltd, Miton Group, Motivcom, Nichols, Pennant International Group, PPHE Hotel Group Ltd, Prudential, Schroders, Wynnstay Group

RD