FTSE

The FTSE is heading for a sixth straight weekly gain amid speculation a bailout for Greece is imminent.

HSBC is to launch the latest addition to its ETF range tomorrow, offering exposure to the FTSE 250.

Fixed income has historically produced reliable returns, but the financial crisis has had a huge impact on this area and continues to shape future prospects. Nick Sudbury reports

The FTSE was up in early morning trading at 5,717.92, rising 38.28 points (0.67%).

One of the consequences of international diversification is that investors suddenly find themselves vulnerable to changes in the value of sterling.

The search for returns is prompting greater development of new index methods, blurring the line between active and passive strategies. Will these alternative benchmarks become popular underlyings for ETFs? Helen Fowler reports

The FTSE was at 5708.41 in early trading, down 19.24 points or 0.34%, as investors reacted with caution to a eurozone bail-out plan for Greece.

Today's Budget announcement had a muted effect on UK-listed shares and the pound with many of Chancellor Darling's proposals already expected by the market.

Drug companies led the Dow Jones higher on Monday, up 37.72 points (0.35%) to 10779.70, after US lawmakers gave the final approval to sweeping healthcare reforms on Sunday.

ProFunds Group has launched a range of single inverse ProShares ETFs in the US, providing exposure to China, US real estate and the US basic materials sector.