London pre-open: Flat start expected after China manufacturing data

Markets are expected to open broadly flat on Wednesday with the mood likely to be cautious after an unexpected fall in Chinese manufacturing activity. City sources predict the FTSE 100 will open unchanged from yesterday's close of 6,611.Sentiment over China had been lifted yesterday after the country's Premier Li Keqiang stood by the government target for economic growth of 7.5% in 2013 and assured that the pace of expansion would not fall below 7.0%: "this bottom line must not be crossed," he said.However, HSBC's flash China manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) has now heightened downside risks to growth estimates, falling from 48.2 to 47.7 in July (consensus forecast: 48.2). Any figure below 50 indicates a contraction in activity in the sector.Supporting stocks this morning will be the forecast-beating results from tech giant Apple after the closing bell on Wall Street last night, helped by strong iPhone sales. Stocks to watch easyJet achieved a 10.5% rise in third quarter revenue to £1.14bn, bolstered by an increase in capacity and growth in revenue per seat. Europe's low-cost airline boosted its capacity by 3.6% and improved revenue per seat by 6.7% on a reported basis to £61.44 in the three months to end of June.Kingfisher, the DIY retail group behind B&Q and Screwfix, said it is on track to hit expectations for the first half after a pick-up in activity in the second quarter. Chief Executive Ian Cheshire said: "Following a tough Q1, I am pleased to report that we have been able to capitalise on the better weather conditions in Q2, particularly in the UK, which has helped us to deliver growth."BC