(Sharecast News) - Stocks are trading on a mixed note as investors' focus shifts back towards the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy.
The number of new virus cases in a majority of US states for example was now rising more quickly than a month ago and economists were watching for signs of longer-term scarring on the economy.

Voter polls in the US were also in focus, with Real Clear Politics's nationwide average now showing that Donald Trump was losing ground even in the top so-called 'Battleground' states.

On that note, Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at Markets.com said: "Don't be afraid: President Trump returned to the White House, but it might not be for much longer.

"Whilst Trump almost revelled in his victory over the virus, telling Americans not to fear it, Joe Biden's lead in the polls is rising. Trump has work to do in the battlegrounds to swing back in his favour."

As of 0945 BST, the FTSE 100 was falling by 0.56% to 5,909.65, although the second-tier index was again outperforming, adding 0.34% to 17,643.14.

The pandemic aside, the focus in financial markets on Tuesday will be on central banks.

First up will be European central bank chief Christine Lagarde, at 0935 BST, who is scheduled to participate in the Wall Street Journal's CEO Council Summit.

She will be followed by Federal Reserve chief, Jerome Powell, who is scheduled to adddress the 62nd annual meeting of the US National Association of Business Economists later in the evening.

Traders will also be keeping a close eye on the headlines out around the health of the US President, Donald Trump, amid reports of new virus cases among his team.

Back on home shores, IHS Markit's construction sector Purchasing Managers' Index climbed from a reading of 54.6 for August to 56.8 in September.

Brexit talks are also in focus as October progresses, with European Commission vice-president, Maros Sefcovic, having said that "full and timely2 implementation of the withdrawal agreement was not up for debate.

Dividend to be reinstated by Victrex

Victrex guided towards slightly better-than-expected sales for the financial year ending on 30 September and told shareholders to expect its dividend to be reinstated. Nevertheless, according to high-performance polymer manufacturer's management, at the financial year close trading remained "subdued". For its fourth quarter ending on 30 September, group sales volumes dropped 26% to 695 tonnes, while revenues were off by 27% to £55.7m "in line with expectations". For the year meanwhile, volumes and revenues were 7% and 10% lower, respectively.

Watches of Switzerland lifted its full-year guidance on Tuesday driven by better-than-expected second quarter US and UK revenues which offset lower tourist and airport sales. Revenue for the year to April 30 was now expected to be £880m - £910m, up from previous guidance of £840m - £860m. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) margin was forecast to rise 1% year on year, while the adjusted EBITDA margin was expected to increase 1.5% from previous guidance of flat.

BHP has signed an agreement with Hess Corporation to acquire an additional 28% working interest in the six-lease Gulf of Mexico development Shenzi, it announced on Monday. The FTSE 100 company said it had agreed to a purchase price of $505m. It said the acquisition would bring its working interest to 72%, and immediately add around 11,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day of production.

Oxford Biomedica said it had received government approval for a fourth manufacturing suite within its Oxbox facility which will be used to develop a potential Covid-19 vaccine. Approval was given by the UK Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the company said on Tuesday. "Both this suite and the suite approved in September ...at present will be dedicated to the manufacture of a Covid-19 viral vector vaccine candidate," Oxford said.

Market Movers

FTSE 100 (UKX) 5,906.54 -0.61%
FTSE 250 (MCX) 17,642.42 0.34%
techMARK (TASX) 3,810.57 0.15%

FTSE 100 - Risers

Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.) 133.60p 8.27%
International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (CDI) (IAG) 93.42p 2.05%
Barclays (BARC) 101.40p 1.96%
NATWEST GROUP PLC ORD 100P (NWG) 112.95p 1.85%
BT Group (BT.A) 102.00p 1.69%
Whitbread (WTB) 2,226.00p 1.69%
Melrose Industries (MRO) 125.30p 1.42%
Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) 27.30p 1.17%
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) 4,125.00p 1.15%
Ashtead Group (AHT) 2,911.00p 1.11%

FTSE 100 - Fallers

Ocado Group (OCDO) 2,554.00p -4.27%
Rentokil Initial (RTO) 524.60p -3.35%
Sainsbury (J) (SBRY) 194.20p -2.19%
Intertek Group (ITRK) 6,268.00p -2.15%
Croda International (CRDA) 6,194.00p -2.09%
JD Sports Fashion (JD.) 777.60p -2.07%
Admiral Group (ADM) 2,652.00p -1.96%
Experian (EXPN) 2,944.00p -1.83%
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) 1,425.80p -1.66%
Rightmove (RMV) 664.00p -1.63%

FTSE 250 - Risers

Watches of Switzerland Group (WOSG) 406.50p 21.89%
Greencore Group (GNC) 100.90p 6.21%
Provident Financial (PFG) 223.40p 5.78%
Meggitt (MGGT) 285.50p 4.73%
OneSavings Bank (OSB) 292.60p 3.98%
easyJet (EZJ) 518.80p 3.72%
RHI Magnesita N.V. (DI) (RHIM) 2,626.00p 3.55%
Mitchells & Butlers (MAB) 140.00p 3.40%
Petrofac Ltd. (PFC) 119.35p 3.33%
Centamin (DI) (CEY) 156.65p 2.86%

FTSE 250 - Fallers

Ferrexpo (FXPO) 167.60p -3.68%
Victrex plc (VCT) 1,879.00p -2.24%
PureTech Health (PRTC) 247.50p -2.17%
Hochschild Mining (HOC) 215.80p -2.00%
IG Group Holdings (IGG) 811.00p -1.70%
Mediclinic International (MDC) 284.40p -1.59%
CMC Markets (CMCX) 349.00p -1.55%
AJ Bell (AJB) 424.00p -1.40%
Hiscox Limited (DI) (HSX) 864.00p -1.39%
Cranswick (CWK) 3,572.00p -1.33%