On the data front, preliminary GDP figures for the second quarter are expected to report a sharp slowdown in Eurozone ...

For some manufacturers the weak pound will drive up import costs - whether due to the higher cost of crude oil, which is denominated in dollars, or goods from euro zone countries.

The FTSE 100 looks set to offer investors better protection from equity slides than Germany's DAX again this year, supported by weak sterling and a more accommodating monetary policy.