Economics / Markets

Neil Woodford has questioned the viability of the British electoral system following the surprisingly decisive result of the general election.

Hopes, fears, nonchalance: Advisers react to the election results

The FTSE led by financials has gained over 100 points and the pound is up 1.3% against the dollar this morning as the general election result points to a surprise majority for the Conservatives.

Self-invested personal pension (SIPP) provider Curtis Banks has floated on the AIM stock exchange with a market capitalisation of £85m.

J.P. Morgan Asset Management's Andreas Michalitsianos argues the government's pension reforms have driven long-dated sterling corporate bond issuance to the point of extinction.

Investors have been told to brace themselves for a "painful" adjustment as the money taps pumping liquidity into global markets are turned of in the US and interest rates raised.

Most advisers desire a Conservative majority at the upcoming general election, but think a repeat of the existing Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition is the most likely outcome, according to a Professional Adviser poll.

Barclays has set aside an extra £800m to cover the costs of a probe into foreign exchange rate-rigging, its latest results reveal.

HSBC could spin off its £20bn British retail banking operation, a move which could speed up its potential exit from the UK, the Sunday Times reports.

The US Nasdaq index has closed above its dotcom boom record for the first time in 15 years.