FTSE

US stock markets powered ahead after the opening bell as private sector jobs data released today painted a much brighter picture than analysts had expected.

Q4 PROSPECTS

A positive start to the third quarter earnings season has lifted equity prices higher on the major US and European markets.

Over the past year just eight ethical funds have managed to beat the FTSE All Share index, according to IFA firm Barchester Green Investment.

European markets have made steady gains throughout the day, fuelled by reports Spain will ask the eurozone for financial aid next month.

Twenty-five years ago to this month, financial markets across the world went into freefall on a day that has come to be known as ‘Black Monday'.

Shares across Europe are trading lower after Japan led Asian indices lower overnight, with the FTSE 100 on course for its third consecutive day of losses.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has unveiled plans to tighten UK listing rules to prevent a small number of dominant shareholders having too much control over a listed company.

LEHMANS WINNERS

Two boutique fund management houses have dropped FTSE Group from client literature after being asked to pay an annual licence fee to feature its indices and branding, with costs ranging between £15,000-£20,000.