FTSE LIVE: Traders eye key ECB rate decision, latest BoE verdict and US economic growth data

The FTSE 100 has opened down 18.6 points at 6,723.1, with investors avoiding strong bets before a European Central Bank rate decision and other major economic news that could set the market's near-term direction.
The ECB is likely to leave interest rates at a record low of 0.5 per cent when it delivers its monthly bulletin at 12.45pm, although there is an outside chance of a cut after surprisingly weak eurozone inflation data.
The Bank of England, operating under its new more transparent 'forward guidance' policy, is virtually certain to announce no change in interest rates or quantitative easing when its decision is issued at noon.

Decision today: ECB is likely to leave interest rates at a record low of 0.5% - but there is a small chance of a cut after weak eurozone inflation figures

US GDP data for July to September is also due at 1.30pm, while its closely-watched monthly non-farm payrolls report is out tomorrow lunchtime.

The US October jobs data will be scrutinised for insight into the economic effects of last month's government shutdown and the timing of the Federal Reserve's eventual move to trim its stimulus programme.
'There is a lot for investors to digest today and tomorrow, with some potentially choosing to take profit,' said Keith Bowman, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.
'For now, whilst markets are making progress, investors are questioning how much of the good economic and corporate news is already priced in.'
Stan Shamu of IG said: 'With two central banks, a US GDP and jobs report all due out, we were always bound to see some nervous trading.'
Trading on the FTSE 100 was sluggish yesterday, and the index ended down just 5.2 points at 6741.7.

Stocks to watch today include:

Aviva, Bumi, JD Wetherspoon, Morrisons, Reed Elsevier, Schroders, SuperGroup: Trading statements.
Dairy Crest, Halfords, Invensys, Randgold Resources, Tate & Lyle: Interim results.