Markets
London - The FTSE 100 is currently 14.61 points lower at 4,309.58 led lower by British Airways following news that its merger talks with Qantas have ended. Shares in the airline are currently trading 4.1% lower. Bunzl is 1.4% lower following a downgrade from Goldman Sachs to sell, from neutral. On the upside, Petrofac is 6% higher after saying it sees 2008 net profit in line with current market expectations and will not take a 10 percent equity stake in the Ebla development in Syria.

Posted: December 18th, 2008 under Asset Management.
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Alternative methods of resolving family disputes

Q. My partner and I have separated and we have lots to sort out both in terms of our financial affairs but also in relation to our two young children. I do not want to get embroiled in Court proceedings and very much want to be able to sort matters out with my ex- partner in an amicable manner and as cost effectively as possible. I have heard stories from friends about how long things can take to sort out through the Courts. I have spoken to my ex- partner and we do want to resolve matters but we do not seem capable of having any sensible discussions without things erupting into a fight. What options do I have?

Posted: December 18th, 2008 under Family.
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Markets
London - The FTSE 100 is currently 61.77 points lower at 4,247.31 as investors took a pessimistic approach to the US rate cut, suspecting it will not be enough to boost the global economy. BAE Systems, which made more than 40% of its sale sin the US and Canada last year, is 1.6% lower. Amec is more than 5% lower after UBS downgraded the stock. Cadbury is off 1.4% after Jeffries International advised investors to sell shares of the world’s biggest sweet maker.

Posted: December 17th, 2008 under Asset Management.
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Markets
London - The FTSE 100 is currently 13.66 points lower at 4,263.90. Venture capitalist 3i leads the fallers off 9.3% after yesterday reporting its first loss in five years. Other financials retreat from last weeks gains including Man Group, off 5% and Icap, down 3.7%. Tullow Oil is the biggest riser, gaining more than 7% following news that it has made a “significant” discovery in Uganda.

Posted: December 16th, 2008 under Asset Management.
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Markets
London - UK stocks closed 2.5 percent lower on Friday as banks tumbled after HBOS reported a sharp rise in bad debts, while energy stocks fell on the collapse of a deal to bail out US automakers. The FTSE100 closed 108.34 points lower at 4280.24.

Posted: December 16th, 2008 under Asset Management.
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