Global markets soared on Wednesday after the US Federal Reserve inadvertently released minutes from its latest policy meeting five hours earlier than planned.

Tullett Prebon's chief executive Terry Smith wrote a letter to the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) back in 2010 to question the rate setting process, but was ignored, the Telegraph reports.

A survey of 150 investors in properties sold by overseas property agent Harlequin, which is at the centre of a Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigation, suggests as many as 40% of them have asked for their money back - but only two have received it.

State-backed Lloyds bank has admitted that it mis-sold Scottish Widows structured products to thousands of customers and has said it will now undertake a review of sales, according to reports.

Nick Leeson, the trader whose wrong- way bets on Japanese stocks ruined Barings Plc, is joining a mediation firm to advise Irish borrowers looking to renegotiate debts in the wake of the real estate collapse, according to reports.

Activity in the UK housing market has hit a three-year high, surveyors report, supporting hopes of a revival that would help the economic recovery.

The new City watchdog was last night fighting to defend its chairman amid accusations he enabled HBOS to pursue its reckless lending strategy.

James Burns, head of the multi-manager desk at Smith & Williamson, said he sees investment opportunities in Europe, Japan and the United States (US).

The IFA Centre and law firm Harcus Sinclair have today launched a website designed to handle the public response to news that Harcus Sinclair is building a case against Capita Financial Managers on behalf of investors in the Arch Cru funds.

A BBC producer who was working on a Panorama programme about troubled overseas property agent Harlequin Property has left the corporation as it emerged that Harlequin is to take an allegation of bribery against him to the police.