FTSE 100

The FTSE 100 opened 0.5% higher in early trading on Wednesday after firm economic data from China spurred sentiment.

The FTSE opened lower in morning trade on Tuesday as investor confidence was hit by stock sell-offs in the US and Asia.

America's largest stock markets reported very light trading volumes on Monday as a flurry of M&A activity did little to reassure investors of the strength of the global recovery.

There has been a "marked decline" in provision for ongoing defined benefit(DB) pension schemes run by FTSE 100 companies, a report from Pension Capital Strategies says.

The FTSE 100 was up 0.18% to 5,204.65 in early trading as bid activity in the financial sector boosted the index.

Barclays Wealth has relaunched its Regular Income Bond (RIB).

Aviva Investors has launched its Defined Returns Fund 6 linked to the FTSE 100.

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.

Which major index has been able to generate a return for investors since the beginning of the credit crunch?

The FTSE 100 opened higher, up 0.26% or 13.87 points to 5,289.31, supported by M&A activity in the resources sector.