Markets
London - The FTSE 100 dropped 58.1 points to 5,665.33 after Britain recorded its biggest budget deficit since World War II. The UK’s Office for National Statistics registered a £152.8 billion shortfall in the fiscal year through March, 76% higher than a year earlier. Oil companies were among the heaviest weights on the index after crude oil dropped 1% as the dollar gained strength against the euro. Liberty International retreated 3.3% after Morgan Stanley downgraded the company. This morning the index is 26.26 points higher at 5,691.59.

Posted: April 23rd, 2010 under Asset Management.
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Markets
London - The FTSE 100 dropped 60.26 points to 5,723.43 yesterday. Miners dropped in line with metal prices, with BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto falling more than 2%. Marks & Spencer slid 3% after BofA Merrill Lynch downgraded the stock. This morning the FTSE is 6.68 points lower at 5,716.75.

Posted: April 22nd, 2010 under Asset Management.
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Markets
London - UK stocks closed higher on Tuesday fuelled by a 1 percent rise in energy stocks. Banks also gained as strong US earnings data brightened the economic outlook. The FTSE100 closed 55.78 points higher at 5783.69. Goldman Sachs and Bank of New York Mellon both reported forecast beating quarterly earnings, adding to investor confidence that the recovery from a sharp recession is gathering pace.

Posted: April 21st, 2010 under Asset Management.
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The Icelandic volcano that has brought travel chaos to the UK has also caused a few headaches for employers due to employees being stranded abroad. Below are a number of issues that HR professionals may face as result.
Do you have to pay your employees who are stuck abroad?
No. However, you may wish to give the [...]

Posted: April 20th, 2010 under Employment/HR.
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Markets
London - The FTSE 100 fell 16.05 points to 5,727.91 yesterday. Airlines and travel companies dominated the fallers board as the ash cloud emanating from the Icelandic volcano closed parts of Europe’s airspace for a fifth consecutive day. TUI Travel, Thomas Cook and British Airways all retreated while in the TSE 250 Easyjet dropped as well. Miners also weighed as metal prices declined. On the upside, Royal Bank of Scotland climbed 4.4% as it weighed up whether to sue Goldman Sachs for an $800 million loss tied to a structured debt product. The FTSE is 32.58 points higher at 5,760.49 this morning.

Posted: April 20th, 2010 under Asset Management.
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