The FTSE 100 continued its positive start to the year yesterday, pushing close to highs reached before the pandemic sparked a market shock in March 2020.
The blue-chip index gained 0.9pc to burst through the 7,600 points level for the first time since January 2020.
However, the market has fallen back at the open today as it takes a breather following Monday's gains.
The blue-chip index fell 0.3% to 7,588 points (as of 8am).
Labour market stats
New statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) gave a mixed picture of the labour market today.
While jobs numbers strengthened – payrolls increased by 184,000 in December and the unemployment rate fell to 4.1% between September and November – there are worries about a looming cost of living crisis.
Job vacancies also hit a record high of 1.25million, highlighting the skills shortage facing businesses.
All eyes on tomorrow's inflation data
Inflation data for the year that ended in December will also be published on Wednesday by the ONS.
The consumer prices index reached 5.1% in the year to November, its highest point in the past decade, and is expected to continue to rise until April, peaking between 6% and 7%.
Energy costs are likely to drive the surge in prices.
Reporting today
Today we will see data from the following companies:
Interims Accrol, Kromek
Finals Pressure Technologies, Ramsdens Holdings, Watkin Jones
Trading updates 888 Holdings, BHP, Carr’s Group, Elementis, Energean, Henry Boot, Hotel Chocolat, Integrafin, Marshalls, Petra Diamond, QinetiQ, THG