News

A strong performance from US and Asian stocks has helped push global equity indices to their strongest start to a year since 1998.

The "old boys network" that makes up the committees which set executive pay must end, a think tank says.

The Pensions Ombudsman has rejected a complaint alleging that Alexander Forbes Financial Services (AFFS) misled the complainant into switching from a final salary to a defined contribution (DC) pension scheme.

Honister Capital has adopted a financial planning tool from Advisa Centa and will roll it out to its 1,200 advisers.

The equity release lender is increasing maximum loan sizes by 11% and cutting rates by 0.2%, following a move to increased individual underwriting.

Network and support service provider Sesame Bankhall Group (SBG) has said a large number of its 2,800 member firms are considering a 'hybrid' practice - offering both independent and restricted advice.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has said the Financial Services Authority's (FSA) stance on simplified advice means members are unlikely to develop propositions in the area.

Euro finance ministers are considering increasing the size of the eurozone's rescue funds which were set up to bail out indebted nations.

Manish Bhatia, manager of Luxembourg-based Schroders Indian Equity fund says a more sustainable rebound in the second half of 2012 is likely.

The British Medical Association (BMA) has threatened to ballot doctors in May on taking industrial action if the government does not change its stance on NHS pension reform.