Economics / Markets

Britain's recovery is gathering momentum on the back of a "stunning" resurgence in manufacturing, economists said, as advertising spending - another economic bellwether - bounced back to levels not seen since the recession struck.

JAPAN

Intrinsic Financial Services has reported a pre-tax profit of £24.3m although this figure is skewed by the waiver of preference share dividends and the cancellation of Lloyds preference shares.

The UK is experiencing a slower economic recovery than 23 of the 33 advanced economies monitored by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), according to analysis.

Global investors are feeling bullish about the prospect of further stockmarket gains this year, and are also favouring precious metals despite recent price falls, according to the Franklin Templeton Global Investor Sentiment survey.

The Dow Jones index broke through the 15,000 point threshold for the first time ever on Tuesday.

The UK may be about to experience its first real property crash, according to Justin Urquhart Stewart, founder of Seven Investment Management (7IM).

FIVE THINGS

Veteran investor Warren Buffett has told investors Ben Bernanke's interest rate policy has been "brutal" for holders of bonds and punishing to savers.

Japan's main equity market surged to a five-year high on the first day of trading after the country's Golden Week public holiday.