Source: Sharecast
The FTSE 100 was called to open around 50 points lower, having closed up 1.8% on Wednesday.
Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Management, said: "Though ‘Turnaround Tuesday’ offered a brief calm interlude, it’s prudent to remain vigilant. The market may long for a peaceful passage, but we're gearing up for what looks to be more akin to a rollercoaster expedition.
"As I cautioned my traders today, thankfully, this week features a light US economic calendar, a small mercy given that a barrage of bleak economic data is the last thing needed in such a tense atmosphere.
"Prepare for a potentially ‘Turbulent Thursday’ and brace for what might become a ‘Frantic Friday’."
In corporate news, events organiser Ascential said it had signed a deal to buy the commercial assets of advertising awards owner Effie for an undisclosed sum.
Effie will join Ascential's LIONS Division, which runs the Cannes Lions event - known as the Oscars of the ad business.
Housebuilder Persimmon reported a decline in first-half pre-tax profit but said it was on track to deliver full-year completions at the top end of guidance.
In the six months to the end of June, reported pre-tax profit fell to £146.3m from £151m in the same period a year earlier. Total group revenue rose to £1.3bn from £1.2bn and completions came in at 4,445, up 5%.
Persimmon said it was on course for around 10,500 completions for the full year, at the top end of previous guidance.
Beazley reported a record profit of $728.9m for the first half, nearly doubling from $366.4m in the same period last year.
The FTSE 100 insurer said it saw an increase in insurance written premiums to $3.12bn and achieved a discounted combined ratio of 77%, down from 84% in 2023.
It also confirmed that its $325m share buyback programme was on track for completion by the end of the year, with a full-year premium growth forecast in the high single digits.