UK

The final part of Edward Bramson's strategic review into F&C Asset Management has revealed plans to expand its range of investment trusts and to market F&C multi-manager funds direct to consumers.

The Queen has unveiled 19 new pieces of legislation in her annual speech to open Parliament, focusing on boosting the UK economy with a raft of business-friendly measures.

FIVE THINGS

The UK government is in advanced talks to sell a significant stake in the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) to Abu Dhabi.

The nationalisation and resale of Northern Rock will rake in a profit of up to £11bn for UK taxpayers, it was announced today.

Income investors enjoyed a bumper year in 2011 as dividends from UK-listed companies hit an all-time high, surging 12.8% to £67.8bn.

Mining company Xstrata has formally announced its intention to merge with Glencore, the world's largest commodities trader, creating a commodities 'powerhouse'.

Britain is not "walking away" from Europe, but safety measures must be put in place for EU countries that are outside the single currency, said Prime Minister David Cameron.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has slashed its growth forecasts for a number of major European economies for 2012 due to ongoing concerns about the region's recovery.

International investors are buying record amounts of UK government bonds as the Bank of England's £75bn QE programme spurs demand, with the yield on the ten-year gilt hitting a new record low.