GLOBAL - Asian shares rose for a third day but closed lower than expected as European leaders failed to reveal specific plans to tackle the debt crisis after a meeting yesterday.

US - Congress moved one step closer to sealing a deal on its debt ceiling, pushing down yields on 30-year government bonds.

Aegon has confirmed it will rebrand its UK asset management arm as Kames Capital later in the year.

UK/NETHERLANDS - Aegon is to rebrand its UK asset management arm as Kames Capital.

PORTUGAL - Moody's has downgraded Portuguese debt to 'junk' status on fears it will need a second bail out just months after it received €78bn ($112bn).

EUROPE - Tension between the European Central Bank and the German government has intensified as Jean-Claude Trichet hit back at the German finance minister's claims Greek government bondholders should contribute to a new aid programme.

UK - Henderson shareholders have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the acquisition of Gartmore, with 99.97% giving the go-ahead.

Henderson shareholders have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the acquisition of Gartmore, with 99.97% giving the go-ahead.

UK - Henderson and Gartmore have finally reached an agreement which should see full acquisition take place in a £335m ($524m) deal over the next few months, subject to shareholder approval.

Henderson and Gartmore have finally reached an agreement which should see full acquisition take place in a £335m deal over the next few months, subject to shareholder approval.