Global markets received a much needed shot in the arm overnight as Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's resignation offer reassured investors an end to the country's problems may be in sight.

A week of near farce in Greek politics ended recently with a government of national unity accepting the previously arranged deal.

M&G global head of retail sales says industry is awash with mediocrity, which must be eradicated.

M&G global head of retail sales says industry is awash with mediocrity, which must be eradicated.

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway group lost more than $2bn on derivatives related to stock market performance in Q3.

Bank of England governor Mervyn King said badly managed banks should be left to fold, as he demanded sweeping powers to force financial institutions to be more transparent.

The FSA has issued further guidance for structured product firms after identifying weaknesses in the way providers design and approve the products.

Barclays reported Q3 profits rose 5%, beating estimates, despite the sovereign debt crisis hurting investment banking revenues.

Veteran investor George Soros has attacked the lack of leadership at the top of the eurozone and warned the new rescue deal to solve the debt crisis will only last between "one day and three months".

Swedish business publication Affärsvärlden has kicked off its annual investment competition by asking Signe, a basset hound, to pick her favourite funds.