FTSE 100

The FTSE 100 soared in early trading thanks in part to better-than-expected results from insurance giant Prudential.

Lloyds' decision to sell Insight Investment to the Bank of New York Mellon for £235m and bring the rest of its asset management business under Swip saw its share price fall 0.3% to 90.72p in early trading today.

The Dow Jones has fallen 1% this morning as investors await the outcome of the Federal Reserve's two-day rate setting meeting.

The FTSE 100 is down slightly in late morning trading despite receiving an initial boost on news Friends Provident has agreed a takeover by Clive Cowdery's Resolution.

In the US, the largest stocks began a retreat after weeks of gains with the benchmark Dow Jones down 19.34 points to 9,350.73 in early exchanges.

The FTSE 100 has fallen sharply in opening exchanges following reports Lloyds may tap shareholders for funds to reduce the cost of participating in the Government's toxic asset scheme.

Where do we see the FTSE 100 finishing this year?

The Dow Jones soared to a near 100-point gain in early trading on Friday as positive job data bolstered investor confidence.

The FTSE has dropped back from its year-high this morning as the RBS results weigh heavily on the index.

The FTSE 100 has opened 1% higher this morning, with Lloyds once again soaring after its double-digit climb yesterday.