Vodafone

Vodafone, the second largest mobile operator in the world, has seen a sharp fall in revenue due to lack of demand and increased competition in Europe.

Capita Asset Services is predicting a record year for UK dividends in 2014, despite a lacklustre period for dividend returns last year.

Vodafone, BP and some less predictable names including a number of UK housebuilders have been tipped to lead the income tables in 2014.

A mixed year for equity markets nonetheless ended on a high, with the FTSE 100 up over 12% year to date and the FTSE All Share 15% ahead, but which stocks thrived and which dived in 2013?

Vodafone is to invest an extra £1bn to improve its mobile network as it points to tough trading conditions in the first half of the year.

Verizon Communications is expected to come to market tomorrow with the largest ever corporate bond sale, which will aim to raise $20bn.

The FTSE 100 has rallied strongly on positive manufacturing data from China, as well as the prospect of Vodafone's deal to sell its holding in Verizon Wireless.

UK income managers may be set for a huge boost if Vodafone agrees to sell its 45% stake in Verizon Wireless, but any deal could create longer-term problems for the UK dividend market.

Shares in Vodafone have risen 9% to their highest level since late 2001 after the group re-opened talks with US peer Verizon over the sale of their joint venture.

Henderson Global Investors has reopened its UK Absolute Return strategy, managed by ex-Gartmore duo Luke Newman and Ben Wallace, Investment Week can reveal.