Monday 7 July

Antofagasta – quarterly production report

This Chilean-based copper mining group will deliver their quarterly production report on Monday.

Tuesday 8 July

Marks & Spencer – first quarter trading statement

It’s all about clothing at this update – the strength or otherwise of the apparel arm of M&S will be key to the chief executive keeping his job. The last quarter saw sales rising and investors will be hoping this is the start of a trend. Food sales are also expected to be higher, bolstered by Easter.

Investors will be hoping that general merchandise sales – which have slipped for 14 quarters in a row – halt their downward slide, but like for like sales in the segment are expected to slip by one per cent.

Wednesday 9 July

Booker – first quarter results

Investors will be looking at the bottom line of UK operation Makro, including productivity gains from the integration with Booker. Final quarter results indicated that the first seven weeks of this fiscal year were ahead of the prior year, and investors will be hoping that boost was a reliable indicator for the quarter. Tentative expansion into the Indian market will be of interest.

Thursday 10 July

Ashmore – fourth quarter trading update

The share price of emerging market asset management group Ashmore has become increasingly volatile as a result of growing pressure in its underlying markets. Assets under management are down, a trend investors will hope has stopped. Margins have suffered. Investors will be hoping the optimism in Ashmore’s last update was well-founded.

Barratt Developments – third quarter trading update

Housebuilders have been riding strong momentum lately, but in recent weeks Barratt Developments’ share price has been impacted by profit taking. Increased levels of home sales and higher prices are expected from this update. Going forward, land acquisition will be important. The good weather and better news on the economy might have impacted forward sales and construction; investors will want to know how. Any comments on the impact of the Bank of England’s mortgage to salary ratio cap will be welcome.

Burberry – first quarter results

Burberry has had a tough time of it through the global recession, but investors will be excited to hear what new CEO Christopher Bailey has in mind for the fashion house. Key areas will be the termination of the Japanese license, the progress of the beauty business, a stronger pound and management changes.

Source: Headline Money, The Share Centre