FTSE 100

Investment companies are being urged to issue zero dividend preference shares (ZDPs) rather than rely on banks to provide financing, to help ride out short term market volatility.

The UK's leading share index has fallen to its lowest level this year, slipping below 5,500, as Greece's continued failure to form a coalition government dampens risk appetite.

UK banking shares dragged the FTSE 100 lower this morning as sentiment struggled following J.P. Morgan's revelation that it lost $2bn in a trade which went awry.

SPECIAL REPORT

Markets in the US and Asia fell yesterday after a tough day for European shares which left many indices sharply lower.

Yields on UK government debt are trading at an all-time low amid fresh panic in Europe, which has sent equity markets reeling.

Miners dragged the FTSE 100 down this morning after Australia cut its economic growth forecast, with investors also nervous ahead of key US jobs data.

SPECIAL REPORT

Brewin Dolphin's John Newlands explains why investors should stick with veteran managers even when new and exciting opportunities enter the market.

US stocks ended the day firmly lower on Thursday, after the ISM services sector purchasing managers´ index for the month of April disappointed.