What's in store today...

The high street is back under the spotlight today, with updates from both WH Smith (SMWH) and Debenhams (DEB).

Britain's second-largest department store could well be about to reinstate dividend payments when it gives its six-month trading update.

After a week of gloomy updates from the likes of Dixons (DXNS) and HMV (HMV), investors will be eager for an update on current consumer demand and the impact of rising commodity prices on its margins.

WH Smith is also set to update investors and while it suffered weak like-for-like sales through the second quarter, a strong performance on margins is expected to offset this lower top-line performance.

Analysts expect its results to show continued tight cost control as it battles a downturn in consumer spending, as well as space growth.

Finally, Hamworthy (HAMP) is also thrown into the mix amid expectations of an in-line statement following the positive update at the end of January.

"Trading has exceeded expectations since the interim results in November (due) to demand for its aftersales products and services, an increase in order intake from the oil and gas market and a reduction in the customers delaying delivery dates allowing for greater activity in the fourth quarter than expected," said Numis analyst Scott Cagehin.

Cagehin added that longer-term, significant orders taken since July reinforced signs of increasing activity in its end markets and underpinned Numis's outer year forecasts.

Results

(Finals) Amiad Filtration Systems, Dori Media Group, Ideal Shopping Direct

(Interim) Ashmore Group, Debenhams Eaga, Filtrona, Namakwa Diamonds, Rank Group, WH Smith

AGMs

BP, Cenkos Securities, Filtrona, Plant Health Care, Rank Group, Smith & Nephew

EGMs

Cambium Global Timberland, Orascom Telecom Holdings

Dividend payment date

(Interim) IndigoVision Group, Plexus Holdings

(Quarterly) Yamana Gold