ECONOMIC data should have the most bearing on the London market next week as corporate reporting takes a back seat.

Of those companies issuing results, retailers will provide a useful glimpse of conditions on the high street.

The Bank of England's monetary policy committee responded to the terrorist attacks in the US by cutting interest rates for the first time outside its normal rate-setting schedule two weeks ago.

But the relatively modest quarter-point reduction gave the impression the committee was reluctant to follow the rate-cutting activities of other central banks.

With little firm data yet available about the impact of the terrorist crisis on the UK economy, many analysts are expecting the policy committee to keep rates at 4.75 per cent for the time being.

The state of the housing market will be under the spotlight next week as the Halifax and Nationwide release monthly house price surveys.

Last month's findings suggested the economic slowdown was beginning to have an impact on consumer confidence and, in turn, house prices.

Shares in Wigan-based JJB Sports have enjoyed a good run of late as the retailer continues to report strong sales growth. That trend should continue on Wednesday when half-year pre-tax profits are expected to leap 47 per cent to about £42m.

Designer retailer Ted Baker will prove a useful barometer of consumer confidence on Thursday when it reports half-year results.

Keyhole surgery specialist Gyrus launched a £100m share placing in May to finance its rapid expansion in to the head and neck surgery market.

It is thought the company will record a £3m loss with a break-even expected at the end of the year.

* Companies reporting next week:

MONDAY: Interims: Gyrus Group, TJ Hughes

TUESDAY: Finals: Jazz FM

WEDNESDAY: Finals: Sportsworld Media Group. Interims: JJB Sports

THURSDAY: Interims: Ted Baker

FRIDAY: Interims: Savills.