Equity markets

The FTSE 100 has entered bear market territory, having now fallen 20% from recent highs after the index lost as much as 5% in early trading on Tuesday.

Fidelity's Anthony Bolton has said this week's tumultuous equity markets should be seen by investors as a "time of opportunity".

The FTSE dropped more than 3% in early trading on Friday, following US and Asian markets sharply lower as the global sell-off continues.

US markets have reversed earlier gains after manufacturing data raised further doubts about the strength of the economic recovery.

GAM has launched the GAM Star Global Quality fund, a product focusing on developed market equities.

Greek prime minister George Papandreou yesterday survived a vote of confidence in his government, sending Asian markets soaring overnight.

UK shares were under pressure in early trading after sharp falls in the US caused by a sharp rise in inflation.

COMMODITIES SELL-OFF WAS JUSTIFIED

European stock markets sunk into negative territory on Tuesday as concerns over the global economic recovery and an unnerving update on Japan's radiation crisis hit investor sentiment.

Punch Taverns' bondholders are seeking to halt the ailing firm from selling pubs in its estate and instead arrange a debt for equity swap.