The number of expatriate employees on international assignments has doubled over the last three years due to globalisation trends, according to Mercer.

Russell Investments has launched its OpenWorld fund range, designed to offer investment professionals access to high conviction external managers through a single manager platform.

Key Retirement Solutions (KRS) has today launched an enhanced service for its referral partners.

BDS Mortgage Group has hired two underwriters to improve its broker service standards and develop business relationships.

The highest annuity rates for six years combined with increased longevity could boost pension income by 10%, but rates are ‘unlikely' to climb further, according to Annuity Direct.

House prices will not recover to their 2007 peak levels for at least five years, according to the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR).

UK Equity Income returned as the best selling retail sector in September, though overall UK funds under management dipped a further 11pc from August to £380bn, according to the IMA.

The FSA's latest reporting system for intermediaries, Gabriel, has been suspended due to technical glitches.

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has assured expediency in reacquainting Icesave customers with their savings.

Trading in London remained weak as noon approached, with the FTSE100 down 154.4 points (3.98%) to 3,728.96 as economic predictions paint an increasingly gloomy picture.