S&P

99% of active US funds do not beat index over 10 years

The UK has outscored most European countries including Germany and Switzerland in the financial literacy of its population, according to a recent global survey.

Scotland's banking sector could suffer an Icelandic-style crisis if the vote for independence is approved, Standard & Poor's has warned.

Ratings agency Standard & Poor's has retained an AAA sovereign credit rating for the UK but says there is still a one in three chance of a downgrade next year.

The leading US equity markets hit fresh record highs on Monday, suggesting a ‘Santa rally' is well underway in the run up to Christmas.

Standard & Poor's has downgraded France's credit rating from AA+ to AA.

EMD

EUROPE

Credit rating agency Standard & Poor's (S&P) has warned of the continuing negative outlook for the UK economy, but reaffirmed its triple A rating for the country.

Global equity markets have eased back from last week's highs despite European financials rallying after regulators softened proposed new rules.