BlackRock's chief equity strategist Bob Doll remains resolutely positive on the US economy, predicting 2% GDP growth despite a new surge in double-dip fears.

There is now a greater likelihood the UK will experience a double dip next year, while it is "almost a certainty" countries such as Greece will slide back into recession, says Invesco Perpetual's Neil Woodford.

The FTSE opened 0.04% up this morning at 5,565 as retailers came out with mixed messages on consumer sentiment.

Global banking shares drove markets higher today following the outcome of the Basel III Committee meeting to reform the banking sector.

Schroders' head of global fixed income Nick Gartside is joining J.P. Morgan as the head of fixed income after an eight-year tenure, Investment Week understands.

The FTSE 100 opened at 5,494 this morning, sliding 0.18% down in early trading despite a surge in M&A activity.

Weak growth and falling inflation mean investors should expect more quantitative easing by the end of the year, says Fidelity's asset allocation director Trevor Greetham.

Trading volumes fell overnight in the US ahead of key job market data set to be released later today.

The FTSE 100 moved slightly lower in afternoon trading as double-dip fears persisted on the back of negative housing market data.

America's largest stock markets reported very light trading volumes on Monday as a flurry of M&A activity did little to reassure investors of the strength of the global recovery.