UK Stocks-Factors to watch on April 2

April 2 (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 .FTSE index is seen opening lower on Thursday, with futures FFIc1 down 0.80%.

SSE: British utility SSE SSE.L on Thursday raised its annual earnings forecast, lifting the lower end of its guided range to 147 pence per share from 144 pence, supported by increased renewable generation output and network investments.

THAMES WATER: Britain's largest water supplier is poised to reach an agreement with water regulator Ofwat that will allow it to avoid new fines until 2030, the Financial Times reported.

BUSINESS CONFIDENCE: British business confidence has fallen as the Iran war exacerbates worries among employers about costs, according to a survey of accountants that chimed with similar concerns from other groups since the start of the U.S.-Israeli attacks.

OIL: Oil prices climbed more than $5 on Thursday, as U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States would keep up attacks on Iran without committing to a specific timeline to end the war.

GOLD: Gold prices reversed course to slip more than 1% on Thursday, snapping a four-day winning streak.

METALS: Copper prices fell for the first time in five sessions on Thursday, weighed down by renewed concerns over economic growth after U.S. President Donald Trump failed to provide a clear outline on ending the Iran war.

EX-DIVS: Smiths Group SMIN.L and IMI IMI.L will trade without entitlement to their latest dividend pay-out.

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