The FTSE100 has taken a hit in early trading, dropping 59.6 points, or 1.09%, to 5,390.8.

Sterling continued its sharp slide against the dollar ahead of housing and inflation data out of the US today. It was trading around $1.8586 in the early morning in London, reports The Telegraph.

The FSA has issued an alert today that at least ten 'recovery firms' are targeting a scam at investors who bought shares through Pacific Continental Securities, a broker which went into administration in June 2007.

An apparent price war between the UK's two biggest lenders represents "great news" for the stalled housing market, experts argue.

Key Retirement Solutions (KRS) has appointed Terry Pritchard as managing director of key partnerships.

UK equities continue to be an attractive long-term investment despite the current market volatility, according to research by Newton Investment Management.

Resolution Asset Management has launched a guide to European equity income investment as part of a drive to raise awareness of the benefits of investing in cash-rich companies on the Continent.

Holding on to UK equities for a decade can render market volatility virtually insignificant, Newton Investment Management says.

Gary Dale from Investec Structured Products answers some questions on their Income Plan the FTSE 100 and RPI Combination Plan.

Friends Provident continued to be a mainstay at the top of the FTSE leader board, but the blue-chip index struggled and finished at 5,450, down 4.6 points, or 0.08%.