Markets

Analysts at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch have tipped the FTSE 100 to rise to 7,400 next year, citing the strengthening economy and an accommodating central bank as reasons why stocks can reach such highs.

Sterling has risen to a seven-month high against the dollar after the UK's unemployment rate unexpectedly dipped from 7.8% to 7.7%.

Shares in taxpayer-backed Lloyds Banking Group soared to a five-year high yesterday amid speculation the government is poised to start selling its stake.

A senior European Central Bank(ECB)policymaker has issued a fresh warning the impact of the US Federal Reserve reducing its massive stimulus programme might exceed that of 1994.

Nordea's new North American All Cap fund has left competitors in the shadows in the last year, outperforming many rivals in the IMA North America sector thanks to the performance of some key holdings.

Goldman Sachs, Visa and Nike are to join the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) index later this month in the largest shake-up for almost a decade.

Aviva Investors is to close its UK Special Situations fund after one of its managers, ex-Schroders UK equities head Richard Buxton, joined Old Mutual Global Investors.

Shares in investment manager Ashmore Group have jumped more than 8% after the company released strong full year results this morning.

The future of the UK economy may not be as bright as some have predicted, with the weakest recovery in 'industrial history' limiting annual growth to 1% in the longer term, according to a thinktank.

Asian markets have risen after data released by the Chinese National Bureau of Statistics showed a number of bright spots for the country's economy.