Markets

WEALTH MANAGERS

Italy's embattled economy contracted 2.8% year on year in the fourth quarter, according to the final reading released this morning, worse than the 2.7% contraction previously thought.

The Commission on Banking Standards has told the government its plans to reform the UK's banking sector are not strict enough.

Standard Life is investigating an error that has left thousands of advisers being quoted inflated fund prices on a number of platforms.

The Office for Budget Responsibility has rebuked David Cameron over his claim austerity is not to blame for the UK's sluggish economy.

While markets are nearing - or passing through - nominal highs, in reality, UK shares would need to climb much higher just to meet inflation-adjusted pre-crisis highs of 2007.

ON UK INCOME

Shares in Schroders have climbed over 1% in early trading on the FTSE 100 as UBS removed its ‘sell' rating and investors grow more optimistic over the asset manager's prospects.

The managers of the Ruffer investment trust are concerned further monetary easing may lead to another financial crisis on a par with 2007/8 as talk of yet more stimulus fuels 'risk-takers'.

The Euro Group's new president has warned the UK could be facing a "new sterling crisis" as concerns grow over the state of public finances.