As indices hit all-time highs on both sides of the Atlantic, there’s one noticeable absentee; the UK’s UK Index has flirted with the 7400 mark since Wednesday, but failed to join the German DAX and US indices the S&P 500 and Nasdaq at the highest level in history.

But could a deluge of corporate and macroeconomic releases next week change that?

Following on from important results this past week from sector peer BT, Vodafone (VOD) provides us with its full year results on Tuesday. With its shares comprising 2.7% of the entire UK 100 , positive results for the telecoms company could aid UK Index sentiment, helping it to challenge those current all time highs of 7448 set back in March.

Also on Tuesday, we receive the first look at UK Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) for April, a key monetary policy metric for the Bank of England. A stronger than expected reading above the central bank’s 2% target could help Sterling to rally, to the detriment of the UK Index ‘s majority foreign earners. However, a weak print could send the pound tumbling, which would aid a significant proportion of the UK Index . Note, the Bank of England’s other mandate, Unemployment, is released just a day later on Wednesday, although may not have as great an impact as the former print.

We return to top tier releases on Thursday, as no less than seven UK Index components report their latest figures, while UK Retail Sales will provide the best available insight into the mindset of British consumers. Stocks such as National Grid (1.9% weighting), Experian (0.8%), Burberry (0.4%) and Royal Mail Group (0.2%) could collectively help the UK Index take a leg higher.

Tack on results from easyJet (Tuesday), Paddy Power Betfair and SSE (both Wednesday) and Hikma Pharmaceuticals (Friday), and you have a packed timetable of crucial releases for the UK’s blue chip index.

What might these pivotal events mean for the UK Index ? Historical analysis shows us that last time the UK Index traded around the 7400 mark – only a month ago – the index fell off a huge 300 points without even posting a fresh all-time high, despite only being withing 50 points of doing so. A strong showing from macroeconomic data may lead us to deja vu in only a week’s time.

Yet should UK corporate results take the lead from their US counterparts, where companies enjoyed their strongest Q1 earnings season in 6 years. we could just best March’s 7448 point highs. With around 10% of the index reporting over the course of the week, the importance of company earnings cannot be understated.

And from there, who knows?

But one thing is for certain, at least. When trading with Accendo Markets, you’ll be kept informed of the latest company results in time and on time, before the market opens. And with such a packed events calendar next week, can you afford to miss out? Why not see for yourself how we can help complement your current trading strategy by signing up to receive our award-winning research here. It could just be the best decision you make all week!

Suni Dhanjal, Senior Trader, 12 May