Economics / Markets

A group of 55 economists believes the Monetary Policy Committee will maintain interest rates at 0.5% this week, as manufacturing and services surveys show the UK economy is slowing.

Portugal has moved a step closer to implementing a €78bn bail-out programme after the country's Social Democrats (PSD) won a conclusive victory in the general election yesterday.

Growth in US employment slowed down significantly last month, hitting global markets and adding to fears the economic recovery is stumbling.

Still not sure why Greece is in so much trouble at the moment?

Eurozone finance ministers have provisionally agreed a new bailout package for Greece as the embattled nation struggles with its mounting debt.

The Bank of England's Paul Fisher said he would consider making emergency bond purchases if the UK's economy suddenly slumped.

Moody's said last night if there is no progress in the US on increasing the country's statutory debt limit, it expects to place the government's rating under review for possible downgrade in the next few weeks.

Woeful economic data in the US and a three notch downgrade of Greece's credit rating saw global markets tumble overnight.

The government's strategy for ensuring Britain stays out of recession is under pressure today after a slew of weak economic data.

Sterling tumbled a cent against the dollar earlier on surprise news Britain's manufacturing sector grew at its slowest for two years in May, sparking fresh fears about the economic recovery.