Markets

US stock markets powered ahead after the opening bell as private sector jobs data released today painted a much brighter picture than analysts had expected.

PRESSURE POINT

The Swiss central bank "aggressively diversified" into UK gilts in the third quarter, providing a boost to sterling, but the end of this process could be damaging to the currency, according to analysts at Nomura.

Liontrust is to launch an offshore version of its popular Special Situations unit trust early next month.

UK equities have been surprisingly resilient this year, with the FTSE 100 and the FTSE All-Share each posting gains in the face of a raft of macroeconomic uncertainties.

Wall Street bounced back shortly after open today following a two day lock-down forced by extreme weather conditions in New York City.

Shares in BG Group have slumped 19% this morning after the oil and gas giant said it does not expect any production growth next year.

Former Conservative cabinet stalwart Michael Heseltine is to argue the coalition government cannot continue on its current economic path in a "damning" critique of its growth strategy.

The devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy over the past few days could cost the US economy as much as $20bn, according to the latest estimates.

Demand for Standard Life Investments' popular MyFolio range has helped the business grow assets under management to almost £80bn, the company said today.