FTSE 100

Neil Woodford is considering opening talks with his former firm Invesco Perpetual about a private multi-billion pound deal to bring across his old stakes in the country's largest stocks, and avoid creating havoc in their share prices.

Shares in Lloyds Banking group fell more than 5% this morning after the government sold another 7.8% of its stake in the bank last night.

Asian markets suffered their worst weekly loss since 2012 as the EU and US considered sanctions against Russia following a referendum on Crimea.

Shares in Schroders and Aviva jumped sharply today after strong full-year results from both firms, helping to keep the FTSE 100 ahead.

St James's Place will enter the FTSE 100 index following the departure of engineering consultancy Amec and agribusiness Tate and Lyle.

St James's Place (SJP) is set to make its inaugural entry into the FTSE 100 when the index's quarterly review takes place later today.

Fund buyers are increasing their exposure to absolute return equity funds to take advantage of sharp falls by companies which miss earnings estimates.

Don't follow the herd into mega-cap investing, writes Alan Clifford

The FTSE 100 reached a 14-year high yesterday while the S&P 500 hit a new record level, lifted by M&A activity.

Investec Structured Products is launching a capital-protected plan to reflect investor uncertainty over the extent of the UK's economic recovery.