Economics / Markets

The recent US downturn, which officially ended in June 2009, has been the longest since the great Depression beginning with the Wall Street crash in 1929.

The Dow Jones has made early gains in trading as investors await the Fed's rate decision tomorrow and a possible extension of its quantitative easing programme.

The UK has maintained its AAA credit rating largely thanks to the austerity measures of the coalition government, although it remains vulnerable over the long term.

Independent City economist Roger Bootle says soaring inflation fears are unfounded and UK CPI will 'collapse' by 2013.

The €440bn European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) has been given the highest possible ratings by the three main agencies.

Consumers are not reaping the benefits of historically low interest rates as banks look to buffer their capital reserves in light of the financial crisis, says the Bank of England.

The FTSE 100 had a strong start to the week, up 0.71% or 39.14 points to 5,547.59, supported by news BP had permanently sealed its Gulf of Mexico oil well.

A drop in consumer sentiment ruined a bright start on the Dow Jones in morning US trading on Friday, the index dropping into the red after an initial 0.35% spurt.

The FTSE 100 climbed 0.8% or 44 points to 5,584 this morning following yesterday's slide on the back of disappointing retail sales figures.

The Competition Commission (CC) and the Office of Fair Trading could merge into a single body.