Economics / Markets

LV= Asset Management's Graham Ashby examines the remuneration of the UK's top executives and why becoming a footballer might be a better option.

Confidence amongst UK finance chiefs has hit a one-year low on the back of austerity measures pushed through in the Budget and mounting fears of a slow-down in global growth.

The FTSE has opened trading in positive territory, but fears of a double-dip recession on the back of disappointing US and Chinese economic data still abound.

Europe - a great way to access emerging markets

The FTSE rose slightly in early trading to 4823.61, up 17.86 points (0.37%), after a late rally on Wall Street.

Mining companies received a boost as new Australian prime minister Julia Gillard watered down controversial tax plans.

BP is understood to be negotiating with China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) to sell a 60% stake in Pan America.

The FTSE 100 has slipped further into the red in late afternoon trading as disappointing US manufacturing and housing data added to growing concerns of stuttering global growth.

The FTSE began to recover early losses on Thursday after the European Central Bank (ECB) revealed modest take-up of its latest short-term loan facility.

BP has returned to banks seeking additional short-term loans to help tackle its growing liabilities following the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.