Markets

British defence giant BAE has started a three-year share buyback programme of up to £1bn, despite reporting declines in full year pre-tax profits and revenues.

The FTSE 100 tumbled nearly 2% in morning trading after the US Federal Reserve spooked markets yesterday by warning it may slow its asset purchase programme.

Goldman Sachs has taken Barclays off its buy list following the unveiling of the bank's restructuring plans last week, pushing additional pressure on its shares.

US markets fell yesterday after minutes from the latest FOMC meeting revealed concern over the impact of further QE, while disappointing housing data also hit shares.

Odey Asset Management has confirmed the launch of a UCITS version of Crispin Odey's flagship hedge fund strategy, as first revealed by Investment Week.

Pressure is mounting on the boss of Lloyds to give up his bonus after the bank was rocked by yet another hit relating to a mis-selling scandal.

Sir Mervyn King voted to increase quantitative easing by a further £25bn at February's Monetary Policy Committee meeting, latest minutes reveal.

J.P. Morgan Asset Management(JPMAM) has expanded its multi-asset fund range with the launch of a macro fund for James Elliot, who took over as head of the division in December.

Asian stocks have rallied for the third day in a row, led by Japanese shares, as regional indices touch highs last seen in 2011.

Saracen is to merge its Global Income & Growth fund with the SMT Saracen Global Equity Income fund.