Economics / Markets

Sector report: Will Europe be 2014’s standout market?

Google shares moved sharply lower in after-hours trading following a disappointing update, with the negative sentiment that has blighted the sector showing no sign of abating.

UK CPI inflation fell for a sixth consecutive month in March to hit a fresh four-year low, according to latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.

Goldman Sachs has sought to reassure clients spooked by the recent falls in tech stocks, saying the US is unlikely to suffer a 2000-style crash.

The Nasdaq index suffered its worst day since 2011 yesterday, dropping over 3% as investors continued to switch out of technology and biotechnology holdings.

Dovish Federal Reserve minutes sent US and Asian markets higher overnight, allaying fears the Fed could raise rates earlier than expected.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded its UK GDP forecast and now predicts the country will see stronger growth than any other G7 economy this year.

Policymakers risk the UK economic recovery stalling if they fail to address its "undue reliance" on consumer spending, the British Chambers of Commerce has said.

Changes at the Office for National Statistics (ONS) which will count future pension rights as if they were present income will turn the UK into a nation of savers instantly, the Telegraph reports.

The European Central Bank will consider quantitative easing among other measures to avoid a long period of low inflation, its president has confirmed.