Triple results set to give taste of public’s belief in market

Crashing stock markets are not good news for life and pensions groups such as Standard Life.

Its own share price has dipped sharply in recent weeks, but more critically it may persuade some people the stock market is not the place for their savings or investments.

Standard Life needs to keep a good flow of new money coming into its coffers as it recently embarked on a major upgrade of its distribution platform that cost about £200m in 2010 with a similar amount earmarked for this year.

Some analysts are concerned how the level of spending can be squared with a rising dividend, which itself cost about £295m last year.

Thomson and First Choice owner TUI Travel’s share price has tumbled by more than a fifth since a profits warning by rival Thomas Cook in July.

Analysts say TUI Travel does not have the same problems in the UK and Turkey, but traders will be nervous until the group confirms that business is on track.

TUI’s last statement in May acknowledged times were difficult, but people taking shorter breaks and demand for specialist holidays were helping it cope.

Rising foodstuff prices will be the main concern at bakery chain Greggs tomorrow, given that half-year sales are likely to show steady progress.

In its last update, the 1,500-strong chain reported total sales up by 4.8 per cent and like-for-like sales ahead 0.8 per cent in the 18 weeks to May 7.

That helped ease some concerns about the first half, but the issue of raw material prices remains.