FTSE 100 set to follow Asian markets lower after Chinese protests

FTSE 100 expected to post opening falls on Monday unsettled by anti-lockdown protests across several major cities in China which helped send Asian markets lower.

Spread betting companies are calling the lead index down by around 34 points.

On Sunday several major Chinese cities saw people taking to the streets calling for an end to lockdowns and greater political freedoms, in a wave of nationwide protests not seen since pro-democracy rallies in 1989 were crushed.

Asian markets weakened as a result. In China, the Shanghai Composite was down 0.9%, while the Hang Seng index in Hong Kong was down 1.8%.

Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets said this has “prompted further weakness in commodity markets this morning” and “looks set to translate into a lower European open, over concerns that the unrest could prompt a stricter crackdown by Chinese authorities in response.”

In London, half-year results from real estate investment trust Home REIT and building materials firm Brickability are expected.