FTSE 100

The year-long stock market rally faltered over the summer, its progress derailed by concerns about the Federal Reserve's intentions to tighten monetary policy.

iShares has streamlined its European ETF range and significantly reduced fees on a range of funds following the acquisition of Credit Suisse's ETF arm earlier this year.

The FTSE has jumped as much as 1.5% after the US Federal Reserve came yesterday indicated it has no plans to cut back on its quantitative easing programme at present.

The FTSE 100 will soar past its record high to reach 8,000 by the end of 2014, according to analysts at Citigroup.

LEHMANS SPECIAL

Invesco Perpetual's Neil Woodford is backing the Thomas Cook turnaround story, Investment Week can reveal, and has bought his first FTSE 100 financial since the crisis.

Analysts at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch have tipped the FTSE 100 to rise to 7,400 next year, citing the strengthening economy and an accommodating central bank as reasons why stocks can reach such highs.

Shares in taxpayer-backed Lloyds Banking Group soared to a five-year high yesterday amid speculation the government is poised to start selling its stake.

Shares in investment manager Ashmore Group have jumped more than 8% after the company released strong full year results this morning.

Shares in low-cost airline Ryanair tumbled 15% on Wednesday after the firm issued a surprise profit warning.