Next week investors can feast on corporation updates and economic data

THE main focus next week will be on a glut of key economic data, including inflation figures and an update from the high street, but investors will also be able to feast on a number of corporate updates.

On Thursday, retail and distribution group WH Smith is expected to post final pre-tax profits of £120 million a slide on last year's £130 million.

But while sales have slowed during the year, operating margins have improved and fund manager Gerrard is expecting operating profits to come in on a par with last year's level.