Retail investors remain cautiously optimistic, despite the ongoing effects of the credit crunch, according to the first bi-annual Great British Investor report from The Investment Management Association (IMA).

Pictet Funds (PF) has branched out with the launch of the (LUX) Timber fund in the fast-growing green investment area.

Lehman Brothers has rushed its trading statement forward by a week to today, amid fears that the investment bank would fail to raise much-needed capital to shore up its finances, The Guardian reports.

Old Mutual CEO Jim Sutcliffe has resigned and will be replaced by Skandia chief executive Julian Roberts as news emerges of a $135m write-down for the group's US business.

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) says investors could be in line for up to £48,000 compensation after declaring a further 27 investment firms in default.

Investors are confident enough to stick with existing investments as they ‘ride out' the current financial storm, the Investment Management Association (IMA) says.

Are we finally starting to see some green shoots emerging as lenders cut rates and start fighting for market share again?

After a phenomenal day yesterday and a positive start this morning, the FTSE slumped, ending the day down 30.70 points (0.56%) to 5415.60.

Several high profile multi-managers are shifting portfolios towards the US at the expense of European weightings in a reversal of recent years.

Prestbury's 140 mortgage and protection advisers, who have just been taken over by Personal Touch Financial Services (PTFS), could be offered the chance to become fully fledged IFAs.