FTSE 100

US markets opened higher this afternoon after shaking off losses sparked by yesterday's surprise Standard & Poor's downgrade of the outlook for US debt.

Transparency is key for the success of structured products, writes Aviva Investors' Robert Corbally

Morgan Stanley has unveiled the Gilt-Backed Growth Plan 8, designed for investors with a moderately positive outlook on UK equities but with no firm view on timing.

The FTSE 100 opened higher this morning after a sharp fall yesterday on news Japan had been hit by a second earthquake.

The FTSE 100 remains on track to make gains for the sixth day in a row, with miners powering ahead.

Renewed fears over efforts to cool Japan's nuclear reactors have lead to a sluggish start to the week for European markets.

The FTSE 100 continued its rally this morning off the back of a strong showing in the US where better than expected earning pushed the S&P 500 through the 1,300 point barrier.

More than half of large blue chip firms are providing no independent financial advice to their employees before pension tax allowances are reduced, PwC says.

Hargreaves Lansdown is to join the FTSE 100 index, reflecting the continued growth of the wealth manager in recent years.

US stocks closed lower on Friday despite a strong labour market report for February, as the oil price continued to rise, driven by continuing turmoil in Libya.