UK Stocks-Factors to watch on March 5

March 5 (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 .FTSE index is seen opening higher on Wednesday, with futures FFIc1 up 0.58%.

FERREXPO: Ferrexpo FXPO.L said that a Ukrainian court had granted authorities' request for transfer of 49.5% of the company's rights in Poltava Mining to federal agencies as part of ongoing investigations in that country.

CAR SALES: New car registrations in Britain dropped about 1% in February, preliminary industry data showed.

SIG: SIG SHI.L reported a near 53% fall in its annual underlying profit, hurt by a slowdown in construction and remodelling activity.

DE LA RUE: UK banknote printer De La Rue DLAR.L said growth in its currency division for 2026 is expected to exceed earlier forecast.

QUILTER: British wealth manager Quilter QLT.L beat estimates for 2024 but said an ongoing review will cost the company 76 million pounds.

BALFOUR BEATTY: British real estate services provider Balfour Beatty BALF.L named Philip Hoare as its new CEO.

TARIFFS: UK's finance minister Rachel Reeves said she was hopeful of securing a trade deal with the U.S. to avoid possible trade tariffs.

RIO TINTO: Palliser Capital welcomed Rio Tinto's RIO.AX, RIO.L decision to allow Australian shareholders to vote on a resolution for independent review of its dual-listing status.

FLUTTER: Flutter FLTRF.L, the world's largest online betting company, said it expects to increase its core profit by around 34%.

OIL: Oil fell for a third session.

GOLD: Gold edged lower.

METALS: Most base metals gained, with London copper prices hitting a one-week high, supported by a weaker U.S. dollar and latest stimulus measures from top consumer China.

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