FTSE 100

Update (1:07pm): The FTSE briefly joined the bear-market club on Tuesday before regaining most of the day's losses as global markets continue to experience extreme volatility.

Update 4pm: Heavy losses in the battered US markets have spread to the UK and sent the index of 100 leading shares down 3.3%.

Global stock markets have slipped deeper into negative territory as investors continue to fret about the US downgrade and the eurozone debt crisis.

Updated: The FTSE dropped more than 3% in the first six minutes of trade on Friday as it tracked US and Asian markets sharply lower amid the ongoing global sell-off.

Investec Structured Products has unveiled its latest collection of plans, which are available until 26 August 2011.

US and Asian markets fell overnight on fears the US government will fail to resolve its debt crisis, ahead of a crucial vote by the House of Representatives today.

The dollar touched a three week low against the euro as investors were kept waiting for signs of progress in US lawmakers' attempt to raise the debt ceiling.

Retirement Planner speaks to Fairbairn's chief operating officer Nathan Lihou about winning the Best QROPS provider category at the Professional Adviser International Fund and Product Awards.

Gilliat Financial Solutions has launched two products offering investors the choice of investing via a deposit structure or a capital protected structure.

Markets have remained down this afternoon as the negative reaction to European bank stress tests continue to drag on the FTSE 100.