Economics / Markets

Updated: The FTSE 100 got off to a weak start on Friday but stablised by mid-morning following efforts in several European countries to calm volatility in share trading.

Global markets have rallied after a volatile day of trading following positive jobs data in the US.

The chancellor has called for greater fiscal integration in the eurozone and warned a break-up of the single currency would be "disastrous".

Chancellor George Osborne will today update MPs on the British economy as turmoil continues on the world's stock markets.

The FTSE opened more than 2% higher on Thursday after the Dow Jones shed 520 points lower in overnight trading amid concerns that France would become the next economic superpower to lose its AAA rating.

Politicians and traders have cut short their holidays to address the sharp falls in markets seen since the start of the month - but should they have stayed on the beach?

Global markets have slipped back into the red after the Dow Jones posted heavy losses on the opening bell, as fears of a double-dip recession intensify.

Sterling fell to its lowest level against the euro for a month after the Bank of England cut its growth forecast for this year.

The FTSE 100 climbed this morning and Asian and US markets rallied strongly overnight as the Federal Reserve announced it would hold interest rates at close to zero until 2013.

Standard Life has reported UK pre-tax operating profits up 14% in the first half, driven by lower commission costs as IFAs switch to fee-charging.