CONFIDENCE on the London market faces a major test next week as a host of blue-chip companies prepare to deliver figures.

Airports operator BAA will provide a further update on passenger demand since the US atrocities when it issues interim results on Monday.

BAA has already reported a six per cent fall in traffic during September and the release of new numbers will interest both the City and the aviation industry.

The crisis should affect figures for the six months to September 30, which are still expected to hit £333m against £326m last time.

Retailer Matalan's presence in the discount sector should serve it well if fears of a high street slowdown come true.

Matalan issues half-year figures on Wednesday, but most interest will be on current trading, with fund manager Gerrard estimating a ten per cent lift in like-for-like sales during the second-half.

Pre-tax profits are likely to rise from £40.5m to £50m following a number of new store openings.

ICI could report a fall of up to 19 per cent in third-quarter profits on Thursday as the paint-to-chemicals group faces up to tough economic conditions.

Debt levels of £3bn are also of concern to analysts, who expect the group's final dividend payment to be reduced early next year. Third-quarter profits are forecast to reach £102m, compared with £122m.

Shell's recent habit of posting upbeat figures should come to an end on Thursday as it becomes the latest oil company to show negative earnings growth.

Shell is expected to show a third-quarter profit of £1.97bn, against £2.47bn last time.

Forecasts of annual revenue growth of 22 per cent should help reduce BSkyB's first quarter pre-tax loss on Friday to £25m from £31.7m previously.

Healthy subscriber numbers and an increase in the average amount paid by each user are benefiting the pay-TV operation.

l Companies reporting next week include:

MONDAY - Finals: easyJet, Hit Entertainment, Investive Leisure. Interims: BAA, ebookers.com (Q3)

TUESDAY - Finals: Allied Domecq, Minorplanet Systems. Interims: Bookham Technology (Q3), British American Tobacco (Q3), Chloride Group, Friends Provident (Q3)

WEDNESDAY - Interims: Matalan, Shanks Group

THURSDAY - Finals: Kingsbridge Holdings. Interims: Arc International (Q3), ICI (Q3), Powergen (Q3), Reflec, Royal Dutch/Shell (Q3)

FRIDAY - Interims: BSkyB (Q1), Unilever (Q3)