Markets

The FTSE 100 was lower once again during afternoon trading as the blue chip index continues to retreat from its recent peak above 6,800.

Paul Flowers, the former chairman of the Co-op Bank filmed apparently paying for drugs, has been arrested in connection with a "drugs supply investigation", according to reports.

St James's Place has paid out £1.25m in compensation and redress to clients after uncovering evidence of serious misconduct by former partner Christopher Bladen.

The UK economy is heading in the right direction but there are a "number of years to go" before a full-blown recovery can be called, Bank of England (BoE) chief economist Spencer Dale has said.

Henderson Global Investors has hired Aberdeen Asset Management's Andrew Gillan to head its Asian equities team, following the announcement he had resigned from his previous role.

Henderson has soft-closed the near £1bn Henderson Credit Alpha fund due to liquidity constraints.

Fidelity Worldwide Investment's Anthony Bolton has revealed the three pillars of a stock-picking process which helped him become one of the most successful fund managers the country has ever seen.

Investec's Wealth & Investment saw operating profit leap 35% in the six months to 30 September after enjoying £400m in net flows.

Minutes from the US Federal Reserve's October committee meeting have helped push Japanese stocks higher after the central bank hinted at slowing its asset purchase programme.

Standard Life Wealth is to become part of Standard Life Investments as of 1 January next year, the group has announced.