Hurricane Energy has sold a 50 per cent stake in two of its west of Shetland developments in the North Sea to Spirit Energy, part of British Gas owner Centrica.

Gold and Brazilian equity funds were among the worst performing vehicles in August, as the continued strength of the US dollar weighed on returns, while US and technology names topped the charts.

Amid gridlock in boardrooms and Congress on proposals to improve worker pay and employment conditions, state governments have taken the lead, forcing companies to raise minimums and add benefits.

Sterling’s retreat combined with a rising oil price to help the FTSE 100 rebound from a four-month low.