News

Ireland's economy saw a return to growth in Q3, with GDP up 0.5% on the previous quarter.

Aviva Investors has received shareholder approval to merge the assets of the International Property fund, formerly Henderson International Property, into the Aviva Investors European Property and the Asia Pacific Property funds.

Skandia Investment Group's chief executive Nils Bolmstrand is stepping down from his role a year after taking the reins from Jamie MacLeod.

AXA's Richard Peirson is stepping down as lead manager of the AXA Framlington Financial fund at the start of February.

Ignis' Chris Bowie believes total corporate bond returns will reach 5% in 2011 compared to the 10% highs achieved by the best performing funds this year.

Beleaguered BP saw its shares drop 3% to 461p today as the US government revealed it is suing the oil giant for gross negligence over the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, and is seeking $21bn or more in damages.

Germany has refused to give any ground on Europe's rescue machinery despite the escalating political and economic crisis across much of the eurozone periphery, guaranteeing a bitter clash with EU partners at a crucial summit in Brussels today.

David Verey, the former CEO of international investment bank Lazard's UK operations, and now a senior adviser to the company, is among a group of 31 leading business figures handed advisory roles within Whitehall.

UK shares are in indecisive mode again this morning, while Asian stocks have been hit by renewed eurozone debt fears.

The dollar rose against major currencies yesterday following more upbeat US economic data, while the euro took a beating after Moody's placed Spain's ‘Aa1' credit rating on review for a possible downgrade.