UK Stocks-Factors to watch on April 10

April 10 (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 .FTSE index is seen opening higher on Thursday, with futures FFIc1 up 5.31%.

*Tesco: Tesco TSCO.L warned profit would likely fall this year due to an increase in the "competitive intensity" of the UK market.

*TT Electronics: TT Electronics TTG.L downgraded their annual profit outlook, citing concerns of an impact from tariffs and also said it will explore all options for its components business.

*OFGEM: Energy regulator Ofgem said it was considering whether to reject a penalty exemption application for an electricity transmission JV between National Grid NG.L and SP Transmission.

*FRC: Financial Reporting Council said it had fined Ernst & Young 6.5 million pounds ($8.4 million) over audits of Thomas Cook for the financial years ended 2017 and 2018.

Beazley: Beazley BEZG.L CEO Adrian Cox told The Insurer that he expects the company to produce "healthy" margins this year.

OIL: Oil prices retreated as U.S. President Donald Trump ramped up a trade war with China.

METALS: Base metal prices in London climbed, supported by improved market sentiment after U.S. President Donald Trump decided to temporarily lower the duties imposed on several countries.

GOLD: Gold prices rose after U.S. President Donald Trump escalated tariffs on China despite his decision to temporarily ease steep duties on several other countries.

The UK blue-chip FTSE 100 .FTSE index dropped 2.8%, led by declines in healthcare and energy stocks, as U.S. tariffs took effect.

EX-DIVS: Lloyds Banking Group LLOY.L, Reckitt Benckiser Group RKT.L, Aviva AV.L, F&C Investment Trust FCIT.L, St James's Place SJP.L, Howden Joinery Group HWDN.L, Croda International CRDA.L and InterContinental Hotels Group IHG.L will trade without entitlement to their latest dividend pay-out on Thursday.

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