Markets

Japan's economy shrank more than initially estimated in the third quarter of 2014, according to revised gross domestic product (GDP) figures.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is to review how and how much it fines businesses amid complaints from banks about the rise of high penalties.

The US economy added 321,000 jobs last month, a figure well above the 230,000 rise that had been forecast and one which will bring forward expectations of a US rate hike.

Interest rates have been at record low levels for over five years, but an interest rate hike in the near future is inevitable and investors need to protect portfolios against it.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has issued a warning over Chancellor George Osborne's plans for the UK to "go it alone" on corporate tax reform.

Advisers have welcomed the Chancellor's overhaul of the taxation system around buying property, saying it is an "ingenious" idea that will benefit the majority of clients.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has warned major cuts to public services will be needed to finance the measures announced in the Autumn Statement.

Barings' global resources manager Duncan Goodwin shares his view on a volatile commodities market at this year's Investment Week Funds to Watch conference.

Bye, bye Mr Brown

UK equities will struggle to make significant gains as a range of forces will weigh on sentiment in 2015. Investors should shelter in stocks undertaking self-help, argues Aviva Investors' Chris Murphy.