Economics / Markets

In London, market closed down over fears about profits and the FTSE 100 lost 108 points (1.78%) to 5,968.5.

THERE are signs that the US economy may already be in recession, according to Schroders chief economist, Keith Wade.

A sluggish opening on the FTSE has seen the index slide 31 points, or 0.51%, but it remains over 6,000 at 6,045.5.

A strong afternoon fightback was not enough to bring the FTSE 100 index into the black today, finishing Wednesday down 10.90 points (0.18%) to 6076.50.

Financials are being smashed in London this morning following release of the HBOS 2007 final results, the index is currently down 48 points (0.79%) to 6039.40.

The FTSE finished the day strongly up 1.47% to 6087.40 driven by a powerful performance from financials which dominated the top five.

SEVEN Investment Management (7IM) has developed a new product for its portfolios that will invest in emerging market currencies and take advantage of the weakening pound.

JAMES Henderson, manager of the Henderson UK Equity Income fund, remains optimistic on small cap shares, despite falls in the FTSE All Share Index hitting them hardest.

The FTSE sustained impressive trading statistics to climb more than 60p, or 1%, in early trading on Tuesday.

The FTSE rose 105.1 points, or 1.78%, to 5993.6p this afternoon as Alliance & Leicester maintained its leading position this afternoon following news Lloyds TSB has its takeover eye on the banker. Alliance & Leicester rose 42.5 points, or 8.33%,...