News: RIO UPDATE 1-UK Stocks-Factors to watch on Sept. 29

(Adds news items, futures)

Sept 29 - Britain's FTSE 100 .FTSE index is seen opening 26 points higher at 5,954 on Tuesday, according to financial bookmakers, with futures FFIc1 down 0.1% ahead of cash market open.

• GREGGS: British baker Greggs GRG.L said its sales had improved in September after a slow August but cautioned that the outlook was uncertain because of COVID-19 and it would have to cut staff jobs and hours.
• PENDRAGON: British auto dealer Pendragon PDG.L said strong performance since the easing of COVID-19 lockdowns helped it return to profitability in July and August, after posting a smaller first-half loss.
• FCA: Britain's Financial Conduct Authority said it has filed for an expedited appeal in its business interruption test case as a precaution against insurers not agreeing by Wednesday to pay out on claims made during the pandemic.
• FERGUSON: Plumbing parts distributor Ferguson FERG.L restored dividend on Tuesday as cost-reduction measures, including 2,100 job cuts, and resilience in its main U.S. business helped it report a 4.1% rise in annual profit.
• CARD FACTORY: Britain's Card Factory CARDC.L swung to a first-half loss and said it was not possible to provide a forecast for the rest of the year as its retail stores could be affected by a new wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

• OIL: Oil prices fell on Tuesday, paring gains from the previous session, as persistent demand concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic outweighed hopes for a new U.S. stimulus package.
• GOLD: Gold prices edged up on Tuesday as the U.S. dollar retreated from a two-month high, with investors looking forward to the first U.S. presidential debate and developments on a new U.S. coronavirus relief bill.
• The UK blue-chip index .FTSE closed up 1.5% on Monday, as Asia-focussed lender HSBC Holdings HSBA.L jumped 8.9% after Chinese insurance group Ping An 601318.SS , 2318.HK boosted its stake to 8%.
• For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on:

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