Next Share News (NXT)

The FTSE 100 is expected to open higher on Tuesday as markets react to earnings reports from a number of heavyweight banks across Europe, including UBS, Deutsche Bank and Barclays.Asian markets performed well overnight, but stocks on Wall Street broadly fell as investors turned cautious ahead of a Federal Reserve policy annoncement on Wednesday. The outcome of the Federal Open Market Committee meeting on Wednesday will be the key risk event of the week for markets, though analysts widely expect the Fed to keep its asset purchase programme unchanged until at least September. Nevertheless, everyone will be watching closely for any hints of when the central bank could begin to pull the plug on stimulus.City sources predict the FTSE 100 will open up 23 points from yesterday's close of 6,560. Stocks to watch Banking giant Barclays will be in focus today in London after announcing a series of actions, including an £5.8bn rights issue, to reduce its CRD IV leverage exposure. The news came alongside the firm's half-year report in which it saw that adjusted profit before tax fell 17% year-on-year to £3.59bn due to costs for its 'Transform' programme as it attempts to attempt the 'Go-To' bank.ITV reported a 16% rise in adjusted pre-tax profits for the first half to £270m as the UK TV network achieved higher margins and cut costs. Earnings before interest, tax and amortisation (EBITA) was up 11% to £291m, boosted by ITV Studios and Broadcast and Online divisions which achieved a 26% and 7.0% EBITA growth respectively.High Street clothing and homeware retailer Next met sales guidance in the first half but has raised its profit guidance for the full year after a good outturn from its selling season. Nevertheless, the firm did warn about sales volatility as consumers become more "spontaneous in their purchasing habits".BC