Leading shares in London are expected to dip after US blue chips failed to hang on to gains on Friday and last week's weak economic data continue to sap confidence in economic recovery.
Financial bookmakers forecast the FTSE 100 benchmark index will open today between 25 and 35 points lower at near 4,300.
The index closed up 2.5 points on Friday at 4,330 points as activity slowed during a subdued end to the week, and dealers said the index could hover around the 4,300-point level in early action as it searches for fresh impetus.
US technology stocks rose on Friday as an upbeat outlook from Dell Computers boosted hopes for the beleaguered industry, but blue-chip shares slipped as paper companies tumbled on asbestos lawsuit fears.
The Dow Jones industrial average fell 40 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 8,778, having been up 16 points at the time of the London market's close. The technology-laced Nasdaq Composite Index ended up 16 points, or 1.2 per cent.