Fillon likely pick of French Republicans

Former French premier Francois Fillon is expected to be crowned winner of the centre-right Republicans' presidential primary today, giving him the ticket to contest next year's election against far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen. Meanwhile in Britain, anti-EU party UKIP is set to announce a new leader to succeed Mr Nigel Farage.

Launch of national marine lab

St John's Island National Marine Laboratory, which was designated a national marine lab under the National Research Foundation (NRF), will be officially launched today. Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who is also NRF chairman, is the guest of honour at the event. The lab serves as a national resource and focal point for marine science expertise, supporting marine research that meets the strategic national needs of the future.

Crucial US economic data

The next piece of significant United States economic data is due out on Friday. The November non-farms payroll figure on US jobs growth may influence the Federal Reserve's decision on whether to raise interest rates at its meeting in mid-December. Many observers expect a rate rise but a very weak jobs figure could give the Fed pause.