The Dow Jones opened trading in the red on the back of disappointing employment figures showing the number out of work increased to 84,000 in December.

Advisers should be allowed to take research books into examinations to replicate the resources they have on hand in the workplace, says AWD Group's Martyn Laverick.

Hopes the UK exited recession in the fourth quarter of last year have been given a welcome boost by figures showing an upturn in the services sector during December.

F&C Investments has selected Calastone's cross-border transaction network to carry its open architecture range of funds - joining Aviva Investors which signed up yesterday.

Savers need to readdress their approach to private pensions in 2010 - a year in which the general election will shape the financial landscape, says Informed Choice.

Aviva has acquired US equity manager River Road Asset Management as it looks to grow its institutional business and expand in the US market.

The Association of Consulting Actuaries (ACA) has called for the creation of a standing pensions commission in a stinging rebuke on the Government's handling of private sector pensions.

Towergate Financial has started the New Year in expansion drive with the acquisition of fee-based IFA K B Rollitt & Company.

Upcoming changes to the minimum retirement age mean financial advice will be under extra scrutiny, IFA Almary Green warns.

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway suffered its worst return against the stock market for a decade in 2009 - a year which saw indices around the world rally.