London opened marginally weaker on Wednesday, continuing the softer trend seen towards the end of Tuesday's session, with retailers in focus in early trading.

The US Federal Reserve will push ahead with its $600bn (£385bn) stimulus programme - dubbed QE2 - as it is not convinced by improved economic data in the US, meeting notes show.

Blue chips have had a first stab at hitting the magic 6,000 level following gains in the US overnight and are regrouping after falling just one point short.

Pimco, the world's largest bond fund, has called on Greece, Ireland and Portugal to step outside the eurozone temporarily and restructure their debts unless the currency bloc agrees to a radical change of course.

The FTSE was trading more than 40 points higher this morning at 5,933, its highest level since June 2008.

David Verey, the former CEO of international investment bank Lazard's UK operations, and now a senior adviser to the company, is among a group of 31 leading business figures handed advisory roles within Whitehall.

Richard Philbin, chief investment officer (CIO) of Axa Architas, is leaving the company at the end of the year to be replaced by deputy CIO Caspar Rock.

Gartmore has been censured and fined $1.35m by the SEC for breaking its short-selling rules.

The FSA may keep the outcome of investigations into HBOS and Bradford & Bingley secret unless it finds wrongdoing.

The Irish government will not raise the country's low corporation tax rate in return for an EU-led bailout, as a French official said some view the rate as "almost predatory".