London Stocks' Expectation and HSBC's Profits Plunge

London stocks are expected to slightly increase following a lower close previously. The UK reported its largest budget surplus in January since 1993. However, HSBC's profits plummeted by 80% due to a $3bn hit from its exposure to a Chinese bank, leading to a decline in the FTSE 100 index. Additionally, Rio Tinto faced a $1.5bn hit to underlying profits in 2023 due to commodity price movements, and GSK reported positive results for its long-acting injectable treatment Cabenuva in a phase three trial.