Markets Overview: (Source: Bloomberg, FT, Reuters, DJ Newswires

UK 100 is called to open 15 points higher this morning. US markets endured a non-eventful session although closed towards their highest, intraday levels as hopes of monetary policy easing increased. Dow Jones (-8.7pts) finished flat with S&P500 (+3.35pts) and NASDAQ (+16.18pts) creeping into positive territory.

Asian markets picked up on this sentiment, climbing for a fifth day, the longest winning streak for the regional benchmark index since March. Central banks from Washington to Frankfurt may ease monetary policy to spur economic growth, and judging by yesterday’s unemployment data from Europe, we could do with it!

The Euro zone registered the highest level of unemployment since its formation in 1999, Spain pitched in with the worst data, one in four are out of work, whilst youth unemployment now exceeds 50%.

Be aware of BoE and ECB rate announcements on Thursday and any accompanying QE statement. Thursday could prove a pivotal session with US weekly jobless data due followed by non-farm payroll figures on Friday.

Please note, Dow Jones, S&P500 and NASDAQ to close early today ahead of Independence Day.

BREAKING NEWS – BOB DIAMOND HAS RESIGNED AS CEO OF BARCLAYS.

Overnight Macro Data: (Source: Reuters/DJ Newswires)

• Aussie              Rate Decision                          In-line
• China               Non-manufacturing PMI         In-line
• Japan               Labor Cash Earnings               Better
• Aussie              Building Approvals                  Better

See Live Macro calendar for all details

UK Company Headlines: (Source: Reuters/DJ Newswires)

• N Brown says ladieswear sales hit by wet weather
• Deutsche cuts price targets on European metals, mining cos
• Barclays says Bob Diamond quits
• Salamander Energy says latest Thai well dry
• Talvivaara warns on 2012 guidance, weak nickel price
• Persimmon says first half turnover jumps
• St. Modwen -5% rise in NAV per share to 244P in H1
• CRH says spent 250 mln euros on development in H1 2012
• African Mining acquires Mali gold licences

Morning Press Selection:

• Barclays boss Bob Diamond resigns – BBC – CLICK HERE
• Hopes of monetary policy easing – Bloomberg – CLICK HERE
•  Regulators seek more time on LIBOR probe – Bloomberg – CLICK HERE