FTSE

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.

Markets across Europe have opened lower ahead of the Bank of England's decision on interest rates today.

UPDATE: The UK index of 100 leading stocks had jumped 58.87 points to 5921.81 by 2pm, an increase of 1%, led by rising commodity prices as civil unrest in Egypt continues.

Graham Ashby, head of UK equities at LV= Asset Management (LVAM) looks at the prospects for the UK equity market in the face of a weak economy.