FTSE

Updated: Major European indices suffered triple-digit losses on Tuesday after a third explosion at Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant raised fresh radiation fears and sparked a 1,000-point plunge on the Nikkei 225.

Japan's stock market lost almost 7% after its first full day of trading following the earthquake and tsunami that struck the country on Friday.

Markets and the single currency reacted strongly yesterday after the European Central Bank hinted at raising interest rates as early as April.

World markets have responded positively to Brent crude futures falling by more than $3 after the Arab League said it was considering stepping in to end the crisis in Libya.

Old Mutual Asset Managers' head of equities Ashton Bradbury discusses his outlook for the asset class in the UK, outlining where opportunities may be found, valuations throughout the current cycle, and his attitude to risk.

The evolution of structured UCITS has seen collateralised investments come to the fore. Morgan Stanley's Sophie Barnett looks at how such plans have been adapted for the retail market.

Libya unrest has driven Brent crude oil to a 29-month high of $119, causing Asian markets to fall overnight and European stocks to slump as investors take profits.

The FTSE has staged a fightback and is now back above 6,000 points despite falling 1.3% earlier in the session on the back of political unrest in Libya and oil prices close to hitting two-and-a-half-year highs.

London's leading share index had a sluggish start this morning, while European markets fell on uncertainty over the Middle East and oil supply.

London's leading share index retreated slightly this morning, following a muted performance in the US, which saw the lowest share turnover so far this year.