Jan 3 (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 index is now seen opening flat on Wednesday with futures marginally up 0.02%.
* BUSINESS: British business leaders have turned more pessimistic about the outlook for the country's economy and they are holding back on investment decisions, according to a survey published.
* STRIKE: Junior doctors in England will begin a six-day walkout on Wednesday, the longest strike in the state-run National Health Service's (NHS) 75-year history which is set to hit patient care during its seasonal winter peak in demand.
* OIL: Oil prices were little changed in Asian trade after sharp moves earlier in the week, as markets weighed concerns about the U.S. economy against potential supply disruptions from ongoing tensions in the Red Sea.
* GOLD: Gold prices ticked up, helped by a pullback in the dollar, while investors awaited minutes of the Federal Reserve's latest policy meeting and U.S. jobs data for more clarity on the interest rate outlook.
* METALS: Copper prices slid, weighed down by a firm U.S. dollar and soft demand in top consumer China, while low inventories lent some support to the metal.
* London stocks started the year on a sombre note, weighed down by losses in the financial sector and as UK government bond yields climbed to two-weeks high.
* For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on:
TODAY'S UK PAPERS
> Financial Times
> Other business headlines (Reporting by Anchal Rana in Bengaluru)
