Markets

GlaxoSmithKline, the UK's largest pharmaceutical group, and rival AstraZeneca, saw shares jump sharply - with the latter up 10% - as a series of deals in the sector boosted prices.

The UK Equity Income sector's total return outstripped other income-focused offerings in the last year, easily surpassing Asian, European and global equity market products. Does that make now a good time to switch?

The Co-operative group has reported a record loss of £2.5bn after a "disastrous year" during which its banking division and the wider group came close to collapse.

Alastair Winter, chief economist at Daniel Stewart & Co, reveals his global economic outlook following a turbulent first quarter - and warns there will be plenty of opportunities to lose money in 2014.

Sterling has climbed to a four-year high against the dollar after the UK's jobless rate, one of the triggers for an interest rate rise, was breached.

Bond managers are becoming more bearish on peripheral Europe corporate debt, turning to core names and the US as spreads tighten to post-crisis lows.

Aviva Investors has confirmed the hire of Mark Versey, former chief investment officer at Friends Life, as director of client solutions.

SPECIAL REPORT: INDIAN ELECTIONS

SPECIAL REPORT: INDIAN ELECTIONS

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