UK insurer Prudential yesterday posted a jump in first-half profit as a strong performance in Asia and the US offset negative currency swings in some of its most important markets.

Britain’s largest insurer, Prudential, has warned that the EU’s strict Solvency II capital regime for insurers could destroy its lucrative US business if EU regulators do not recognise US capital rules as equally rigorous.

Disappointing US jobs figures brought an abrupt end to stock market recovery efforts today as the FTSE 100 Index slumped 1.6% into the red.

Prudential's top bosses today defied calls to quit over the collapse of its $35.5bn (€29.5bn) bid for US insurance giant AIG's Asian arm.

Prudential’s top bosses today defied calls to quit over the collapse of its $35.5bn bid for US insurance giant AIG’s Asian arm.

Strong gains on Wall Street helped limit losses for under-pressure BP today as the wider FTSE 100 Index also pulled back from early heavy falls.

Insurer Prudential was left with a £450m (€542m) bill today after its £24bn (€28.9bn) Asian adventure came to a humiliating end.

Speculation was mounting today that Prudential may walk away from a deal to buy the Asian arm of US insurer AIG if it cannot renegotiate the price.

Prudential launched the UK's biggest ever rights issue today as it looks to fund the controversial acquisition of AIG Group's Asia business.

Prudential launched the UK’s biggest ever rights issue today as it looks to fund the controversial acquisition of AIG Group’s Asia business.

Prudential will make a last-ditch attempt to win over investors this week as it prepares to relaunch its £24bn (€28.18bn) offer for AIG’s Asian arm.

Prudential boss Tidjane Thiam will earn a pay package worth up to £5.2m (€5.9m) this year as he spearheads the biggest takeover in the insurer’s history, it was revealed today.

The London market held in positive territory today as takeover talk added to higher oil and metal prices in giving blue chips a fillip.

Insurance giant Prudential raided Norwich Union rival Aviva for its new finance director today.