Market Pulse
US close: Markets mixed as investors await Fed
Markets in the US closed mixed on Monday, though they appeared to brush off a drop in oil prices as investors looked towards the US Federal Reserve meeting later in the week.
Bonds: Morgan Stanley now sees one Fed rate hike in 2016, down from three
These were the movements in some of the most widely-followed longer-term sovereign bond yields:.
Commodities: Oil retreats alongside losses for iron ore, agricultural futures well bid
Oil futures led the way lower on Monday after Iran said over the weekend it would not support an agreement by several of the world’s top producers to freeze their oil output until his country’s production had first recovered to 4m barrels a day.
Putin orders start of withdrawal of bulk of Russian troops from Syria
Russian president Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered the withdrawal of the bulk of the country's armed forces who were present in Syria.
Director dealing: Paddy Power co-founder cashes in some shares
Directors in the newly merged Paddy Power Betfair (PPB) continue to take profits after the sealing of the deal.
Europe close: Stocks end session higher ahead of central bank meetings
European stocks were higher for the most part on Monday, with miners lending support as investors looked ahead to a week packed full of central bank meetings.
FX round-up: Brazilian real keeps gaining altitude, Egypt devalues pound
‘Risk-off’ was the name of the game at the start of the week, with some market commentary referencing weaker than expected data on Chinese industrial production and retail sales over the weekend as the immediate trigger behind the weakness, although Brazil's real was one notable exception.
London close: FTSE closes higher as mining stocks rise
The FTSE closed in positive territory on Monday, boosted by a rally in mining stocks despite weak Chinese data and a decline in oil prices.
Financial advice market review calls for new pensions and guidance shake-up
The long-awaited Financial Advice Market Review highlighted a "clear need for intervention" in the UK's financial advice industry as it was released on Monday.
Sector movers: Financials and miners lead gradual gain
The FTSE 100 effected a tentative rise on Monday, with financials and miners leading the index higher.
Kellan Group swings to full year profit
Recruitment company Kellan Group swung to a full year profit as revenues rose on the back of growth in temporary placements.
OPEC trims forecasts for 2016 global demand growth for its oil
Demand for crude oil supplied by the Organisation for Petroleum Exporting Countries was now expected to increase slightly less in 2016, the cartel said in its Monthly Oil Market Report for March.
Europe unveils exceptional measures to help farming crisis
An expanded package of exceptional measures to support Europe's farmers was unveiled on Monday, including allowing milk producers to limit production to force prices up.
Stagecoach slumps on HSBC downgrade
Transport operator Stagecoach was under pressure after HSBC downgraded the stock to ‘reduce’ from ‘hold’ and cut the price target to 240p from 295p, noting the third quarter trading update showed up potential weakness in the East Coast franchise.
Old Mutual hires investment banker to oversee split
Old Mutual, which confirmed last week that it will split its business into four units, has appointed Rob Leith as director of managed separation.
Analysts optimistic on short-term prospects for China, despite February data
Chinese economic data released over the weekend raised concerns activity might be slowing despite government stimulus, but officials said seasonal factors were partly to blame and some economists agreed – at least with a view to the short-term.
US open: Stocks fall ahead of FOMC rate decision
US stocks fell on Monday as oil prices plunged and investors awaited the Federal Reserve’s latest policy announcement.
FTSE 250 movers: NMC surges on results; Stagecoach slumps on downgrade
London's FTSE 250 index was up 0. 7% to 16,709. 59 at 1500 GMT, tracking a generally buoyant tone in markets as investors looked to a series of central bank meetings this week.
Frenkel Topping hikes dividend and wins FCA investment clearance
After posting solid results and lifting the total dividend by a quarter Frenkel Topping has received regulatory clearance to proceed with a transformational new investment management service.
Iran should be allowed to recover market share, Russian energy minister says
Iran should be given an exemption from an agreement between the world’s major oil producers to freeze their current level of output so that it can increase its share of the market, Russia’s energy minister said on Monday.