Results from clothing chain Next may bring some cheer to the retail sector this week, although the broader market may be hemmed in by concerns over the economic recovery and growing global security risks.
Although scheduled corporate news-flow slows down this week, results from Next, and mid-cap retailers Signet and Woolworths, will keep the spotlight on the consumer.
Meanwhile figures from house-builder Barratt Developments are likely to show the sector continues to benefit from the housing boom.
By 1317 GMT the FTSE-100 share index was trading 26.5 points higher at 4,424.4, recouping some of Thursday's steep drop as investors focused on hopes that Osama bin Laden's second-in-command might be captured in a battle between Pakistani troops and suspected al Qaeda militants and tribesman.
But the benchmark index is on course to end the week lower for the second time in a row, and market watchers predict a period of sideways trading in the near term as sentiment remains fragile in the wake of the Madrid bombings and as confidence in a speedy economic recovery in the US wanes.
Among retailers jewellery seller Signet and stores group Woolworths report full-year numbers on Wednesday, while blue chip clothing retailer Next reports annual figures on Thursday.
"Next was the star of Christmas - it's a brand that appeals to a cross-section of the market. I think it will be a pretty solid performance," said Mark Embley, an investment director at Laing Cruickshank.
In the leisure sector earnings reports and outlook statements from cruises firm Carnival and holiday firm MyTravel will be watched as investors fret over the effects growing security risks may have on the industry.
Other companies to report earnings include Wolseley, the world's largest plumbing and heating equipment supplier and plasterboard maker BPB.
Trading statements from SABMiller and Wolverhampton & Dudley will also keep the spotlight on Britain's brewing industry.
And on Monday Britain's second biggest pubs operator Enterprise Inns will take its place in the FTSE-100 index, replacing Foreign & Colonial Investment Trust.
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