News

Gilts have rallied significantly into the Election, more driven by the UK by being associated with the core of Europe than the chance of a significant Tory majority.

The FTSE was flat in early trading this morning at 5345.24 points as Europe's markets regained some composure after going into temporary freefall over the past two days.

Newspapers gripped with Election fever have Cameron's name splashed over (almost all) the front pages, as polling day 2010 kicks-off.

Japan's Nikkei 225 plunged by the most in 13 months today as global markets continue to be spooked by concerns Greece's debt crisis could spill over into Europe.

Prudential is eying the use of Lloyds-style contingent capital notes, known as CoCos, to help bolster its cash reserves and revive its £24bn takeover of Asian insurer AIA.

Net retail inflows of £3.3bn over the first three months of the year helped propel Schroders to a record quarterly inflow in Q1.

The FTSE has plunged in afternoon trading and the euro slumped to a 14-month low against the dollar on fears Greece's financial troubles will spill over into neighbouring states.

Thames River plans to close down its Currency Alpha fund following the departure of manager Bill Muysken.

This year could see a resurgence in the issuance of zero dividend preference shares (ZDPs) following the success of recent issues, F&C says.

The future of the eurozone now hangs on how markets react to the €110bn (£94bn) bailout of Greece, according to the director of UK equity strategy at F&C.