FTSE

The FTSE 100 is approaching a 16-month high today as investors around the globe welcomed Barack Obama's US election victory.

The FTSE continued to make huge gains in afternoon trading, reaching its highest level since late March after the Federal Reserve unveiled its third round of quantitative easing.

UK shares were once again lower this morning, extending yesterday's sharp losses as falls in Asia overnight impacted confidence.

Barclays is to roll out six FTSE autocall products on Transact and Nucleus, as well as most self-invested personal pension (SIPP) providers, including AJ Bell and SIPPCentre.

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Markets were unfazed by the hefty fines facing financial institutions and posted gains around the world overnight.

World markets including the FTSE fell in early trading as weak economic data and Moody's downgrade of 15 banks unnerved investors.

London's FTSE 100 slipped into the red in early trading this morning after Fitch Ratings cut Spain's long-term credit rating and predicted a slump through 2013.

UK stock markets are rising this morning after the two-day bank holiday, following gains in Asia and the US, and as hopes grow a further round of quantitative easing will be launched.

European equity markets have given up all yesterday's gains as investors remain on the back foot ahead of today's EU summit.