April 10 (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 index is seen opening higher on Thursday, with futures up 5.6%.

* Pershing Square Holdings: Billionaire investor Bill Ackman's Pershing Square Holdings portfolio has lost nearly 14% so far this year, the firm told investors on Wednesday.

* Beazley: Beazley CEO Adrian Cox told The Insurer that he expects the company to produce “healthy” margins this year despite increased competition and wildfire losses.

* OIL: Oil prices retreated on Thursday as U.S. President Donald Trump ramped up a trade war with China

* METALS: Base metal prices in London climbed on Thursday, supported by improved market sentiment after U.S. President Donald Trump decided to temporarily lower the duties imposed on several countries.

* GOLD: Gold prices rose on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump escalated tariffs on China despite his decision to temporarily ease steep duties on several other countries.

* The UK blue-chip FTSE 100 .FTSE index dropped 2.8%, led by declines in healthcare and energy stocks, as U.S. tariffs took effect.

* UK CORPORATE DIARY:

Tesco Plc TSCO.L Prelim FY results

* For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on:

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(Reporting by Raechel Thankam Job in Bengaluru)

((RaechelThankam.Job@thomsonreuters.com))