It’s a big week for retail as ASOS, Sports Direct and the owner of Costa Coffee prepare to update the markets.

Tuesday 9 December

ASOS – first quarter results

Any information on ASOS’s Christmas campaign and the Cyber Monday sales will be of interest to investors, who will be hoping that mild autumn weather hasn’t impacted sales too much. Overseas operations are expected to be mixed.

Wednesday 10 December

Carillion – interim management statement

Carillion’s trading is expected to be in line with expectations, so investors will be most interested in the group’s outlook for the sector in 2015. Recent contract wins and the future bid pipeline will also be a focus, as will overseas operations in Canada and the Middle East.

Sports Direct International – second quarter results

The markets will be keen to see whether the patchy start to the second quarter has continued, so any comments on current trading as the Christmas season approaches will be of great interest. Trading in Europe will be a focus for investors as well.

Whitbread – third quarter results

Shares of Whitbread have been outperforming since October, when it delivered positive interim results, so investors will be hopeful that strong sales momentum at Premier Inn hotels and Costa coffee has continued. Comments on trading through the festive period will also be worth noting, especially given the mild weather.