The FTSE 100 is called to open 20 points higher at 7629. Asian stocks, U.S. and European futures were mixed Friday as investors mulled data from the world’s two largest economies with global stocks at records. Shares in Shanghai fluctuated after data showed Chinese industrial output beat estimates. Stocks saw a modest rise in Tokyo and Sydney, while gains fizzled in Hong Kong. U.S. futures were little changed while European contracts pushed higher. The S&P 500 Index Thursday rose to a fresh all-time high, with U.S. retail sales strengthening in December. Treasuries dipped after the U.S. announced plans for a new 20-year bond. The yuan rose. Reminder UK (FTSE) Expiry - 10:10-10:15

We tend to take electricity for granted. It almost seems like an old fashioned technology, developed by nineteenth century figures like Thomas Edison or Nikola Tesla, and fathered by scientists such as Michael Faraday who first experimented with it in the 1830s.

In this week’s Diary, a quick market update, London life and more about India. And a bit of swimming to add to the mix.

Tensions surrounding the assassination of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani intensified early last week, with retaliatory missile attacks on two US bases in Iraq. Thankfully, there were no casualties and President Trump downplayed the incident.