FTSE 100

Bob Diamond, the former boss of Barclays who left in disgrace last year after the bank admitted its role in rigging Libor rates, is reportedly close to making a comeback with a new bank venture.

In smaller companies investing, there are few managers more high profile or successful than Standard Life Investments' Harry Nimmo.

Standard Chartered saw its stock price plummet 7% during trading today after warning of its first fall in operating profits for a decade.

Supermarkets are weighing on the FTSE 100 index today as worries escalate over price wars between the UK's leading food stores.

Managers and fund buyers have begun rotating out of UK mid- and small-cap stocks in anticipation of a mega-cap resurgence.

GOSLING'S GROUSE

The FTSE 100 was lower once again during afternoon trading as the blue chip index continues to retreat from its recent peak above 6,800.

The leading US equity markets hit fresh record highs on Monday, suggesting a ‘Santa rally' is well underway in the run up to Christmas.

UK EQUITIES

In an environment where bonds have sold off and equities look expensive, providing a return above inflation is tough, Edward Allen of Thurleigh Investment Managers tells Anna Fedorova.