Dec 19 - Britain's FTSE 100 .FTSE index is seen 11 points lower at 6,691, with futures down 0.06 percent ahead of the cash market open on Wednesday.
* GSK: GSK.L plans to split into two businesses -- one for prescription drugs and vaccines, the other for over-the-counter products -- after forming a new joint venture with Pfizer 's PFE (NYSE:PFE).N consumer health division.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC: Virgin Atlantic Ltd said on Wednesday talks with Flybe Group Plc FLYB.L about a potential takeover offer for the British regional airline were ongoing.
YU GROUP: YU Group YU.L , a supplier of gas and electricity to British businesses, said the country's financial watchdog is planning to investigate whether announcements made by the company between March 6 and Oct. 24 reflected its financial status.
GOLD: Gold prices edged higher to a more than five-month peak on Wednesday as a softer dollar supported the bullion while investors awaited cues on the rate hike trajectory of the U.S. central bank from its two-day policy meeting.
OIL: Oil prices rebounded on Wednesday after falling for the past three sessions with worries about oversupply and a slowing global economy keeping markets under pressure though sentiment may be shifting as falling equity markets seemed to stabilise.
The UK blue chip index closed 1.1 percent lower on Tuesday, as perpetuating concerns over slowing global growth and an oversupply of oil spooked investors. For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on: cpurl://apps.cp./cms/?pageId=livemarkets
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