UK

The FTSE 100 has fallen 0.3% or 16 points to 5,413.5 in early trading after America's Federal Reserve said overnight there were "widespread signs of deceleration" in the US economy.

With interest rates still at an all-time low and increased confidence in equity markets, the UK equity income sector remains in the spotlight for investors seeking income and the possibility of capital growth.

Weak growth and falling inflation mean investors should expect more quantitative easing by the end of the year, says Fidelity's asset allocation director Trevor Greetham.

Adrian Frost and Adrian Gosden of Artemis are to run a new UK and global income fund for St. James's Place (SJP).

The FTSE 100 opened at 5,211, rising close to 6 points or 0.11% in early trading following a flurry of M&A activity.

UK public sector borrowing fell to £3.8bn in July, down from £6.1bn in July 2009, suggesting the nation's finances are starting to recover.

IFAs are increasingly taking out business disruption insurance against regulatory investigations, according to a City law firm.

The Serious Fraud Office says the UK urgently needs a new centralised fraud database to combat rising financial crimes as the current FSA-run register is "clearly not working".

Prudential CEO Tidjane Thiam says he "very much regrets" the collapse of the insurer's giant $35.5bn AIA takeover, which has cost the company £377m.

Clive Cowdery's Resolution consolidation vehicle has received 95.5% shareholder take-up of its £2bn rights issue, which will help fund its part acquisition of Axa's UK business.