Life and pensions firm Standard Life returned to favour on the stock market today after revealing a stronger-than-expected jump in annual profits.

A sharp fall in annual profits will thrust life and pensions company Friends Provident back under the takeover spotlight this week.

Insurer Standard Life saw shares stride ahead today after announcing a deal that will boost its operating profits by £100m (€135m) this year.

UK life and pensions group Friends Provident said today that it is to axe around 600 jobs as part of a group-wide overhaul and cost-cutting drive.

London's FTSE 100 Index was in cautious mood today ahead of tonight's key decision on US interest rates.

The London market slipped further into the red today as investors nervously awaited the closely-watched decision on US interest rates.

Life and pensions giant Standard Life today reported a 20% drop in fourth quarter UK sales as market volatility hit the group’s domestic business.

A stock market bloodbath saw the FTSE 100 Index nosedive by 5.5% today as fears of a US recession sparked a global sell-off.

The FTSE 100 Index plunged more than 3% today as investors fretted about a possible recession in the US.