UPDATE 1-UK Stocks-Factors to watch on Nov 24

(Adds futures, news items)

Nov 24 - Britain's FTSE 100 .FTSE index is seen opening 37 points higher at 6,371 on Tuesday, according to financial bookmakers, with futures FFIc1 up 0.4% ahead of the cash market open.

* PHOENIX GROUP: Insurer Phoenix Group PHNX.L is assessing a range of strategic options for its European businesses after recent expressions of interest from third parties, it said. COMPASS: Compass Group CPG.L reported a 75.5% slump in annual pretax profit, as the coronavirus crisis slashed the number of school pupils and office workers eating at its canteens and dinner halls over the past months. AO WORLD: British online electricals retailer AO World AO.L reported a 53.2% jump in first half revenue and swung into profit as consumers purchased more domestic appliances to help get them through the COVID-19 pandemic. IQE: British technology firm IQE IQE.L said on Tuesday its founder and chief executive officer, Drew Nelson, plans to step down from the company. CRANSWICK: Meat processor Cranswick Plc CWK.L reported a higher first-half profit on "robust" demand across all of its categories buoyed by a shift towards greater in-home consumption driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. OCTOPUS ENERGY: Britain's Octopus Energy announced plans to supply retail power to customers in Germany, home to big established utilities, but is open to newcomers. ASTRAZENECA: The Philippines is close to concluding talks with AstraZeneca AZN.L for the supply of at least 20 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine, a top coronavirus task force official said on Monday. GREENCORE: Food group Greencore GNC.L said on Monday it plans to raise cash by issuing new shares after reporting an 81% plunge in annual profit due to the COVID-19 crisis. JD SPORTS: JD Sports JD.L is in exclusive talks with British department store chain Debenhams over a potential rescue takeover, the Times reported on Monday. GOLD: Gold slipped as progress on a COVID-19 vaccine and a federal agency's approval of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden's transition to the White House bolstered risk appetite, denting the bullion's safe-haven appeal. OIL: Brent crude prices hit their highest levels since March as news of a third promising vaccine candidate spurred hopes of a quick recovery in oil demand. The UK blue-chip index .FTSE closed 0.3% lower on Monday. For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on: LIVE/