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LONDON (AFP) – London's stock markets drifted lower in opening deals on Friday, with investors cautious before the publication of vital US economic growth data for the third quarter.

The benchmark FTSE 100 index of top shares eased 0.15 percent to 5,669.65 points.

Later on Friday, at 1230 GMT, investors will focus on the first estimate of third-quarter gross domestic product in the world's biggest economy.

Market expectations are for an expansion of 2.0 percent in the three months to the September after 1.7 percent growth in the second quarter.

Further ahead, next week the US Federal Reserve will deliver its latest monetary policy decision, with hopes moderating for a stimulus measures to boost the nation's economy.

"Today?s release of the third quarter GDP figures will prove to be a big test," said CMC Markets analyst Michael Hewson.

"If the figure comes in considerably better than 2.0 percent, we could well see a dollar bounce on expectations of a reduced stimulus package next week.

"A poor figure, then expect the dollar to fall quite quickly, especially against the yen."

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