The FTSE 100 index is seen opening 2 points higher on Friday, financial bookmakers said, after the index ended up 0.69 percent at 5,9871.3 points in the previous session.

With the potential for funds to push for a close above 6,000 on the last day of the quarter for both the FTSE and DAX, most markets will be on hold this morning ahead of more key U.S. data, notably the core PCE figure, widely recognised to be the Fed's favourite inflation indicator, said Martin Slaney, head of spread betting, GFT Global Markets.

Stocks to watch on Friday are:

STANDARD CHARTERED

Standard Chartered has agreed to buy Taiwan's Hsinchu International Bank, a person familiar with the matter said on Friday, as the British based lender expands its Asian footprint

BRITVIC

The soft drinks company is due to issue a trading statement.

EMAP

The media group is due to issue a trading statement.

NATIONAL GRID

The network operator is due to release a trading statement.

GRAINGER TRUST

The Times reported that the country's largest quoted residential property investor had received a bid approach from Regis Group.

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