FTSE

US GDP grew to an annualised rate of 3.2% in Q4 2010, driven by consumer spending.

Morgan Stanley has launched the FTSE Gilt-Backed Growth Plan 7, a collateralised structured product designed to mitigate credit risk and protect capital.

Leading Tokyo shares fell on Friday after ratings agency Standard & Poor's (S&P) downgraded Japan's creditworthiness.

Gilliat Financial Solutions has launched its new Twin Win product along with the next tranche of its Income Builder series.

London's leading share index rose this morning, recovering from yesterday's fall following news the UK economy contracted by 0.5% in the fourth quarter of last year.

London's leading share index was down 0.37% at 5954.39 in early trading on Thursday, stemmed by disappointing results from US companies and weakness in Asia.

Ian Lowes, of Lowes Financial Management, discusses why advisers who are unconvinced by structured products should reconsider their position.

The FTSE fell back from yesterday's 31-month closing high in early trading Thursday, despite strong global gains overnight following a successful bond sale in Portugal.

Banks helped the FTSE add 1% in morning trading Tuesday as the index climbed above 6,000 once again.

The FTSE 100 has opened in the red, falling 0.23% or 13.67 points to 5,970.66 in early trading, as worse than expected US job figures took their toll on investor sentiment.