(Add company news items, futures)
Oct 21 (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 .FTSE index is seen opening 18 points higher at 5,907 on Wednesday, according to financial bookmakers, with futures up 0.09% ahead of cash market open.
* ANTOFAGASTA: Chilean miner Antofagasta ANTO.L reported a 4.6% drop in third-quarter output on the previous quarter but maintained its 2020 production guidance. WILLIAM HILL: British bookmaker William Hill WMH.L warned that further local lockdowns triggered by a fast-spreading second coronavirus wave would hit core earnings, as it posted lower third-quarter revenue due to a fall in gaming revenue. METRO BANK: Britain's Metro Bank MTRO.L reported a 2% increase in lending for the third quarter, but warned its capital levels remain below buffers expected by regulators as it grapples with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. FRC: Accounting watchdog Financial Reporting Council has called on firms to ensure reports and accounts remain clear, consistent and relevant against a backdrop of increased economic uncertainty brought by the pandemic. GOLD: Gold prices rose as optimism that U.S. lawmakers could reach agreement on a pre-election coronavirus relief package pressured the dollar and bolstered the precious metal's appeal as an inflation hedge. OIL: Oil prices eased after a surprise build-up in U.S. crude stockpiles stoked concerns about a global supply glut even as a spike in global COVID-19 cases fuelled fears of slower recovery in fuel demand. The UK blue-chip index .FTSE closed 0.1% higher on Tuesday as investors remained hopeful of a trade deal with the European Union by year-end, although gains were capped by concerns over tougher coronavirus lockdowns in parts of England. For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on: LIVE/
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