On Wednesday, the market will get the first word on whether the looked-for upturn in activity on the voice broking side of ICAP's business has occurred.
Back in November ICAP was seeing disappointing levels of activity for its telephone-based services, as banks reduced their appetite for risk at the end of their financial years, but the inter-dealer broker said this was to be expected, and it was hopeful that 2012 would bring a revival of volumes in its voice markets.
The group's outspoken Chief Executive, Michael Spencer, may also find time for a passing comment or two on the proposed "Tobin tax" - a small levy on all financial transactions - currently being promoted by French President Nicolas Sarkozy as a potential palliative for the Eurozone's financial ills.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Spencer was recently quoted by Risk magazine as saying there is "not a prayer in Hades" of the UK agreeing to the proposed financial transaction tax (FTT).
Spencer, until October 2010 the treasurer of the Conservative party and therefore well connected politically, has reportedly had it on good authority that the UK would veto any attempt to introduce the FTT.
"In Hong Kong, Singapore and New York, the very notion it's even being considered is seen as quite extraordinary. Singapore and Hong Kong would have a national celebration if we chose to enact something as stupid as the FTT," Spencer said.
ICAP is projected to earn £1.72bn in revenue in the year to the end of March 2012.
INTERIM DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE
Brulines Group, FirstGroup, KCOM Group, United Utilities Group
INTERIM EX-DIVIDEND DATE
Amati VCT , Daejan Holdings, Latchways, Pennon Group, Tricorn Group
QUARTERLY PAYMENT DATE
Mercantile Inv Trust, Torchmark Corp.
INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
Auto Sales (US) (15:00)
Construction Spending (US) (15:00)
Crude Oil Inventories (US) (15:30)
ISM Manufacturing (US) (15:00)
ISM Prices Paid (US) (15:00)
MBA Mortgage Applications (US) (12:00)
PMI Manufacturing (EU) (09:00)
PMI Manufacturing (GER) (08:55)
FINALS
Piaggio & C Spa, Piaggio & C Spa
IMSS
ICAP, United Utilities Group
AGMS
Imperial Tobacco Group
UK ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
PMI Manufacturing (09:30)
FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE
Marston's, SVM Global Fund
FINAL EX-DIVIDEND DATE
Fenner
jh
