THE calendar for corporate reporting again appears light next week, although the City will be on its toes as firms report developments in the wake of the US crisis.

Interest will also focus on the retail sector with trading statements from Marks & Spencer and Burberry owner Great Universal Stores.

The impact of the terrorist attacks on two of Great Universal Stores' key businesses will be of concern to investors when the group reports second quarter sales figures on Thursday.

The direct marketing part of US Experian, the credit reference and business services operation, is likely to have endured a tough time since September 11.

Elsewhere, the planned demerger of the Burberry business could be at risk from the lower valuations now being placed on luxury goods companies.

Investors in Marks & Spencer should get more hard facts about declining sales in the core clothing division when the retailer issues its second quarter trading statement on Tuesday.

Clothing is expected to decline by seven per cent on a like-for-like basis, following a fall of nine per cent in the first quarter.

Home furnishing should rebound from a poor start to the year while food sales will lift five per cent stockbroker Gerrard added.

DFS Furniture is expected to benefit from the "Changing Rooms" phenomenon when it reports its full-year results on Wednesday.

Pre-tax profits are forecast to have grown by just under £4m to £49.8m.

Analysts will be on the look-out for any signs that consumer confidence may be slowing as a result of the economic uncertainty.

Also on Wednesday, analysts will be looking to see if strong retail demand has boosted furnishings retailer Homestyle when it reports its interim results for the six months to the end of August on Wednesday.

lCompanies reporting next week:

MONDAY - None.

TUESDAY - Finals: London & St Lawrence Investment Company, St Ives. Interims: Rugby Estates.

WEDNESDAY - Finals: Air Partner, Fusion Oil and Gas. Interims: Homestyle Group, Incepta Group.

THURSDAY - Finals: DFS Furniture Company, LA Fitness.

FRIDAY - None.