FTSE 100

Japanese shares have clawed back some of their losses after falling more than 7% yesterday in a dramatic trading session.

The FTSE 100's long-running rally has been brought to a dramatic close this morning, with the index shedding 133 points in early trading as fears over an end to the US quantitative easing programme spook investors.

Many UK-listed stocks have got off to a flying start in 2013, with indices approaching all-time highs, but some companies have been given a rough ride by markets, destroying shareholders' capital in the process.

EQUITY

Global banking giant HSBC has warned a further 14,000 jobs are at risk over the next three years.

Japan's benchmark index has broken through the 15,000 barrier for the first time since 2008 as investors continue to cheer policymakers' efforts to weaken the yen.

Hargreaves Lansdown shares closed above the £10 mark for the first time ever yesterday as investors continue to back the platform to excel in a post-RDR environment.

Q&A

Concerns raised by ratings agencies, analysts and hedge funds have pushed bank shares lower this morning as the FTSE 100 snaps seven straight days of gains.

London blue-chip index has crossed the threshold level of 6,600 for the first time since 2007 after a seven-day climb.