Economics / Markets

Low interest rates are leading investors to seek riskier investments to beat inflation which could be storing up future problems in the financial system, according to the Financial Stability Board (FSB).

The OECD today cut its second-quarter growth forecast for the UK to 1% from 1.3%, but said growth prospects for the G7 nations were rosier.

The first-quarter rebound in the UK economy was weaker than expected, a survey suggests, adding to a growing consensus the Bank of England should again delay raising interest rates this week.

Banking shares could be volatile this week ahead of the Independent Commission on Banking's (ICB) report, which may suggest the break-up of high street lenders.

Nationals round-up: All the Sunday papers had last-minute ISA advice while pension drawdown, investment trusts and Brics were all in the spotlight.

Ministers are to outline plans for a universal state pension which they say will help people currently working prepare for a "different sort of world" in retirement.

The index of 100 leading shares bounced 1.57% this afternoon as better than expected economic data sent financial stocks soaring to the top the leaderboard.

On a momentous day of news, IFAonline looks at some of the best April Fool's stories around the world...

The FTSE reversed yesterday's late sell-off sparked by the results of the Irish bank stress tests in early trading on Friday.

The Republic of Ireland's banks need an extra €24bn (£21.2bn) to survive, bringing the total amount poured into the Irish banks since the financial crisis close to €70bn.