News

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.

The auction of €5bn ($4.3bn) of five-year bonds to fund Stage One of the Irish loan package was subject to huge demand from Asian and Middle Eastern investors yesterday.

Bank of England chief Mervyn King said the shock contraction in GDP figures proves the UK recovery will be "choppy" but he appeared to rule out immediate interest rate rises.

Millions risk losing out on their state pension because they have not been credited with paying £1.2bn in National Insurance (NI).

Private client investment manager Brewin Dolphin will be forced to pay out a £6m FSCS interim levy this year compared to just £1m last year.

HSBC has launched the S&P Bric 40 ETF on the London Stock Exchange, with a total expense ratio of 0.60%.

More than one in five people retiring this year will still have debts according to the Prudential Class of 2011 study.

Which? has called for regulators to ensure protection products meet minimum standards.

More than one in five people retiring this year will still owe on average £33,100, Prudential research found.

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