City sources predict the FTSE 100 will open down nine points from yesterday's close of 5,871, tracking US stocks lower which fell following the release of weak economic data. US manufacturing data revealed a surprise contraction for November, coming in at 49.5 versus 51.7 for the month before (Consensus: 51.4).On the agenda today are the UK BRC Sales Monitor and PMI Construction, while internationally economic announcements include US Auto Sales and the EU Producer Price Index. In company news, like-for-like (LFL) revenue growth at plumbing merchant Wolseley continues to be polarised across its geographic regions, with growth in the US and Central Europe accelerating and declines in France and the Nordic markets worsening. The first quarter of the financial year even saw UK LFL revenue growth slip into the red, down 0.3% on the year before, compared with a 3.5% rise in the preceding fourth quarter. Demand in the UK heating market was weak, though trading profits managed to grow slightly in the division, the group said.Foreign and Colonial Asset Management said it was promoting from within as its head of investment and distribution was revealed as the firm's new Chief Executive. Richard Wilson will take the role from 1st January 2013 and will join the board as an Executive Director with immediate effect, the company said. He takes charge as the firm continues to implement a strategic review in a bid to stop funds flowing away from the fund manager.Software group Anite said recent trends and a growing pipeline of work has boosted the group's confidence in meeting full year forecasts as it posted a 30% increase in half year profit. The company, which provides software solutions to leisure and travel industries, said pre-tax profit jumped to £14.3m for the six months ended October 31st 2012 from £11m previously. Revenue for the period rose to £61.2m from £56.2m previously.