Markets

The FTSE 100 has dropped 2.5% this afternoon as worse-than-expected US retail sales data darkened investors' moods further this afternoon.

The World Bank has cut its global growth forecast, warning the US alone cannot drive an economic recovery.

The sharp fall in the UK inflation rate is not cause for concern, Chancellor George Osborne will say in a speech later today.

Jupiter Fund Management saw a net outflow in Q4 following the loss of a segregated mandate and closure of its Split Capital trust.

Figures released this morning by the Office for National Statistics showed UK CPI inflation fell to a surprise 0.5% in December, the lowest level since May 2000. We round up the reaction from leading investors and economists.

Global growth managers predict the rally in airlines can continue into 2015 and beyond as a falling oil price provides a new fillip for the sector.

UK consumer price inflation has fallen to a 15-year low of just 0.5%, driven by plunging oil prices.

Mark Roomans has been promoted to chief executive of Morningstar UK as Geoff Balzano steps back to focus on his role as head of adviser solutions.

The price of a barrel of Brent crude oil has dropped to below $46 in early trading, a fresh six-year low, as the commodity's collapse showed no sign of slowing down.

Fund buyers and investors face a challenging 2015 as they weigh up how to diversify in the face of crowded trades and elevated valuations, market commentators have suggested.