UK

Shares in the UK climbed in early trading as investors awaited the result of the Scottish referendum on independence.

An independent Scotland would result in its economy struggling for at least ten years, a poll of leading fund managers has said.

UK CPI inflation fell from 1.6% to 1.5% in August, a level seen on only two other occasions over the past five years.

The pound could dive a further 10% in as little as a week if a 'yes' vote on Scotland is approved, witnessing a sell-off reminiscent of sterling's fall on Black Wednesday more than 20 years ago, a manager has warned.

The global economic outlook has darkened in recent months, with a slow recovery in the eurozone holding back many other economies, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has said.

Investors will pull money out of a separated UK because of the "economic abomination" that is its current account deficit, Société Générale's Albert Edwards has warned.

M&G's Global Dividend fund has had a setback in performance this year as a number of stocks disappointed with dividend cuts, but manager Stuart Rhodes remains convinced the companies can increase payouts from here.

The Investment Management Association has said there are signs the polarisation of fund flows is decreasing, despite consolidation across the distribution chain pointing to the opposite effect.

The pace of UK growth picked up again over the summer months, according to latest estimates, but AXA IM has suggested the recovery may be shortlived if Scotland votes for independence in September.

Outsourcing company Quindell has won a court battle against a short-seller which caused its share price to dive 40% earlier this year.