UK

German GDP grew 2.2% in the second quarter, the largest gain in more than 20 years.

Keith Skeoch, the head of Standard Life Investments, has predicted the FTSE 100 will close the year at 6,000 points, 14% higher than yesterday's closing figure.

Tineke Frikkee, manager of the £2.52bn Newton Higher Income fund, expects BP to resume dividend payments as early as February next year.

Prudential CEO Tidjane Thiam says he "very much regrets" the collapse of the insurer's giant $35.5bn AIA takeover, which has cost the company £377m.

M&G posted a 32% jump in net retail inflows over the second quarter, with the asset manager recording £1.92bn of net sales.

RWC Partners is poised to unveil a trio of funds for star recruits Nick Purves and Ian Lance, including a covered call strategy similar to the managers' former Schroder Income Maximiser vehicle.

Rumours are escalating in the City that fund manager Gartmore could be ripe for a takeover approach, as its share price languishes more than £1 below its December 2009 flotation price.

CONTRARIAN INVESTOR

UK equity income fund managers have made a strong move into integrated energy company Centrica after shifting out of BP on the suspension of its dividend.

Mortgage giant Freddie Mac has asked for $1.8bn in assistance from the US Government after it suffered its fourth consecutive quarterly loss on continued bad home loans.