Europe's leading equity markets took a beating yesterday as elections in Italy resulted in political deadlock.

Moody's has cut its rating on the guaranteed debt of Barclays and Lloyds following the downgrade of the UK's credit rating last week.

Royal London Asset Management's Ivor Pether will take over management of the £405m RLAM UK Equity fund following the departure of the firm's head of equities, Jane Coffey.

Jenny Cosgrave talks to three wealth managers about their top fund picks.

British defence giant BAE has started a three-year share buyback programme of up to £1bn, despite reporting declines in full year pre-tax profits and revenues.

Goldman Sachs has taken Barclays off its buy list following the unveiling of the bank's restructuring plans last week, pushing additional pressure on its shares.

The FBI is investigating whether insider trading took place in Heinz shares ahead of the food giant's historic deal with Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway.

Hedge fund giants are said to be preparing to short sterling after it fell to its lowest level against the dollar since July this week.

The wealth arm of Barclays has scrapped plans to charge fund groups an administration fee when their products are recommended for private client portfolios.