Economics / Markets

The FTSE finished at its highest closing level in more than five months today as investors were buoyed by the prospect of further fiscal stimulus in the US.

The pound has fallen to a five month low against the euro amid a rising claimant count and falling consumer confidence.

The FTSE climbed 1.1% this morning to 5724.37 after rumours of more quantitative easing from the Federal Reserve gained momentum last night.

PwC warns the austerity budget will cause job losses of 500,000 in both the public and private sectors.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) must inject a further £50bn into Britain's fragile economy to stave off a double-dip recession, the British Chamber of Commerce warns.

CPI inflation remained at 3.1% in September but the figure is still well above government targets.

The FTSE has powered higher this morning feeding off a healthy end to trading on Wall Street last week.

Harsh banking regulation will negatively impact the economic recovery and cost upwards of 10 million jobs globally, the world's leading bankers have warned.

Chancellor George Osborne is set to give the Bank of England the green light for more monetary stimulus to prevent the economy slipping back into recession.

Alan Johnson has been appointed shadow chancellor, beating favourite Ed Balls and Yvette Cooper to the post.