FTSE 100

It has, on the whole, been a positive time for markets, and enthusiastic investors have been rewarded accordingly.

US blue chip stocks edged up in early exchanges, echoing gains in stock markets across Europe and Asia.

Firmer commodity prices lifted mining stocks and led the FTSE higher on Friday following two sessions of losses.

Lloyds Banking Group is among the early losers on Thursday despite reports it is considering a new form of capital to offer to shareholders in a bid to cut its use of the Government's insurance scheme for toxic assets.

The FTSE has made marginal losses in early trading, weighed down by disappointing company results despite a rally from financial stocks.

The Dow Jones is higher this morning on improving house price data and a rebound in consumer confidence.

The FTSE 100 has opened lower this morning as investor confidence was dented by weaker Asian markets overnight and a flat US session on Monday.

The Dow Jones hit a fresh year-high this morning after Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke said the US economy is nearing recovery.

Investec Structured Products has unveiled the FTSE 100 Bonus Income plan in its latest suite of product launches.

Scottish Widows Investment Partnership has launched its UK Enhanced Equity fund, a vehicle using call options in a bid to provide additional returns over the FTSE 100.