MARKETS

Trading on the FTSE 100 has remained steady in the day before the election.

The Shanghai Composite has rallied some 75% in the past six months, while the Hang Seng has added some 17%.

As per opinion polls, the Labour party is more likely to lead a coalition than the Liberal, easing worries over 'Brexit.'

The RBNZ may cut rates in June meeting as Q1 jobs data disappoints.

FTSE closes at 6,927.58, down -58.37 (-0.84%), as HSBC considers UK exit.

Saudi Arabia's oil minister Ali Al-Naimi says that only Allah knows where crude prices are heading.

Markets in Japan and South Korea were shut for public holidays.

Cash withdrawals in April marked the Total Return Fund's 24th successive month of net outflows.

US non-farm payrolls for April due on Friday could impact dollar.

Pound snaps two-week gaining streak increasing risks to retesting mid-April lows.

The FTSE 100 finished on 6,985.95, with news that Lloyds will pay a dividend boosting its prospects.

Bank of England figures show it was up £1.2bn in February/March.

It finished on 6,960.63 but Centrica, ITV and the Royal Bank of Scotland struggled.

Euro snaps nine-month losing streak on encouraging Spanish and German data.

Asia's largest drugmaker was accused of failing to warn users that Actos could raise the risk for bladder cancer.

Nokia now expects a network operating margin around the midpoint of its earlier goal of 8% to 11%.

The Nikkei tanks, pulled down by the BoJ's announcement, lacklustre corporate earnings and weak US growth data.

The central bank's concern about currency strength also pressured down the unit.

US recovery has slowed and hiring has lost momentum

Dixons Carphone and Unilever were just some of the major players whose share value fell.

BAT's first-quarter revenue rose 1.7% at constant exchange rates, trailing the 3.5% median growth estimate forecast.

Investor sentiment worse as corporate earnings fall and foreign nationals executed.

In Australia, the ASX's 10 main sectors traded in red terrain.

Weak GDP data from UK failed to prevent the pound rally as the market seems positioned for a dovish surprise from the US.

Other major banks have paid billions of pounds to UK and US regulators over foreign currency manipulation.

The pair had failed to break above that level despite four attempts since mid-March.

Office for National Statistics says UK economy grew at 0.3% in first quarter of 2015.

Russia's ruble currency has increased in value around 18% since the turn of the year.

If Riksbank reduces rates further on Wednesday, krona is likely to hit new lows.