UK

The UK economy expanded by 0.8% in Q1, slightly below economists' expectations.

St James's Place (SJP) has reported a strong first quarter, with a significant uptick in new business over the reporting period.

Scottish Widows Investment Partnership's chief executive Dean Buckley is to leave as Aberdeen Asset Management realigns its investment division following its takeover of the Scottish group.

Stephen Jones, chief investment officer of Kames Capital, has said the UK's improving GDP figures mean it is now rivalling some emerging markets in the growth stakes.

RBS will not pay out bonuses in line with its rival banks, after the UK government said it would not support a payout ratio of two times executive salaries.

Former Prudential chief executive Nick Prettejohn has joined Lloyds Banking Group as a non-executive director and chairman of Scottish Widows.

Invesco Perpetual's Mark Barnett says uncertainty about the strength of economic growth in emerging markets, especially China, is still proving a headwind to global growth and influencing his portfolio choices.

THE BIG QUESTION: PART II

ON UK GROWTH

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?