FTSE dips below 5-year high on dividend drag

Britain's leading blue-chip index dipped in early trade on Wednesday as a number of heavyweight firms traded ex-dividend, leaving the FTSE tucked just below 5-year highs hit in the previous session. Ex-dividend

4G auction earns UK less than expected

The British government will receive a smaller-than-expected 2.34 bln pound ($3.6 bln) windfall from airwaves auctioned for 4G super fast mobile broadband, in a sale where all existing mobile operators won spectrum.

Hong Kong shares up 0.7%, retailers strong

Hong Kong shares rose on Wednesday, helped by an improving global economic outlook, with retailers gaining ground after strong sales figures from cosmetics firm Sa Sa International Holdings and Italian fashion house