Economics / Markets

The FTSE opened 0.04% up this morning at 5,565 as retailers came out with mixed messages on consumer sentiment.

Global banking shares drove markets higher today following the outcome of the Basel III Committee meeting to reform the banking sector.

The European Commission has revised GDP forecasts for the UK slightly upwards, while the EU as a whole has also seen its figure boosted.

The FTSE 100 rose 0.88% or 48.58 points to 5,550.22 boosted by new financials regulation and positive economic data from China.

Financial regulators have reached a deal to force global banks to double the spare cash they hold in the biggest shake-up since the economic crisis nearly brought down the system.

The FTSE 100 opened at 5,494 this morning, sliding 0.18% down in early trading despite a surge in M&A activity.

HMRC is facing accusations it cannot cope with the new 50p rate of income tax.

The global economic recovery is slowing faster than forecast, but a return to recession is unlikely, according to the OECD.

Banks and miners have powered the FTSE to a four-month high in afternoon trading after the Bank of England held interest rates at their historical lows.

Institute of Fiscal Studies director Robert Chote has been selected as the preferred chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).