News

On Wall Street, the Dow Jones followed gains in stock markets across Europe.

The number of independent financial advisers listed on Unbiased.co.uk has fallen 9% in June from last year, the professional advice search engine says.

Simply Biz chairman Ken Davy has given his support to the Conservatives' plans to abolish the FSA and establish a new Consumer Protection Agency.

Problems with pension transfers are becoming more common, and accounted for one in five complaints received by the Pensions Ombudsman in the last financial year.

The negative reputation of equity release remains the top concern for advisers recommending the products, according to the Hodge Lifetime IFA Confidence Report.

Gross mortgage lending rose 17% in June due to seasonal factors, according to new figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).

The average shelf-life of a mortgage product fell to 14 days in June, almost half the amount of time they were available in the previous month, according to the latest monthly Moneyfacts Treasury Report on UK Mortgage Trends.

Clive Cowdery's consolidation vehicle Resolution returned to the negotiating table with a sweetened offer for Friends Provident this morning.

In London, markets experienced strong, early growth, with banks and miners leading the pack.

Pension savers could be risking losses of up to £1,400 when they turn their pension pot into retirement income because of annuitisation delays, Virgin Money research suggests.