FTSE 100 called to open flat, as hopes around June 21 reopening remain hot topic

Many businesses hope the June 21 reopening from lockdown will go ahead

AFP via Getty Images

Joanna Hodgson2 June 2021

The FTSE 100 was on Wednesday being called to open flat, as commentary around whether the lockdown easing plan will go ahead continues.

Health secretary Matt Hancock on Tuesday tweeted: “The whole country will be so glad there were no covid related deaths recorded yesterday. The vaccines are clearly working - protecting you, those around you and your loved ones.”

However, he cautioned that despite the good news, “we know we haven’t beaten this virus yet”.

Many businesses will be hoping the figures help with the case for the latest stage of Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of lockdown on June 21 to go ahead. But, uncertainty remains.

That date is when limits on social contact could be removed.

The FTSE 100 yesterday gained 57.85 points to 7080.46, helped by mining stocks.

The blue chip index is being called to open flat, with more bullish voices suggesting it could start the day as high as 7090.5, according to IG.

Companies due to publish results and updates this morning include publisher Bloomsbury.