Thursday preview: US jobs reports, China trade data in the spotlight

Investors' focus on Thursday was expected to begin settling more firmy on the US labour market with two closely-followed indicators set for release.

The two reports would be followed the next day by the government's all-important monthly non-farm payrolls data the next day.

Perhaps the most important of the two would be the continuing unemployment claims figures for the week ending on 31 December, at 1330 GMT, given their recent apparent modest shift upwards.

Also due out was consultancy ADP's private payrolls report for December, although some analysts appeared to remain skeptical regarding just how good a guide it was for the Department of Labor's unemployment report released the next day.

A final reading for S&P Global's US services sector Purchasing Managers' Index was scheduled as well, at 1445 GMT.

Of key importance too would be the latest Chinese foreign trade numbers covering the month of December.

Nevertheless, release of those figures might not occur until 13 January.

On home shores, the spotlight would be on S&P Global's PMI for UK services covering that same month.

Across the Channel, euro area producer price data for November were to be released at 1000 GMT.

Friday 06 January

INTERIM DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

British Land Company, Hill and Smith, JD Sports Fashion, Pets at Home Group , RS Group

QUARTERLY PAYMENT DATE

Alpha Real Trust Ltd.

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Consumer Confidence (EU) (10:00)

Economic Sentiment Indicator (EU) (10:00)

Factory Orders (GER) (07:00)

Factory Orders (US) (15:00)

Industrial Confidence (EU) (10:00)

ISM Prices Paid (US) (15:00)

ISM Services (US) (15:00)

Non-Farm Payrolls (US) (13:30)

Retail Sales (EU) (10:00)

Retail Sales (GER) (07:00)

Services Sentiment (EU) (10:00)

Unemployment Rate (US) (13:30)

AGMS

Gunsynd

UK ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Halifax House Price Index (07:00)

PMI Construction (09:30)

FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

Lok'n Store Group, Orchard Funding Group , Town Centre Securities