Economics / Markets

Revised US economic forecasts and disappointing GDP figures from China hit European markets in early trading on Thursday, with the FTSE falling 0.6%.

Henderson chief economist Simon Ward believes the Bank of England must stop ignoring strong UK inflation and raise interest rates.

Update 12pm: The FTSE dropped more than half a percentage point into the red this afternoon following a shaky morning session for banks.

Consumer confidence has fallen for the second month in a row, regressing to similar levels as seen 12 months ago, according to Nationwide.

UK unemployment fell 0.1% to 7.8% in the three months to May this year, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics.

The UK's public sector debt could be nearly £4trn higher than headline figures suggest, according to new research.

Mike Riddell, a member of the highly-regarded M&G bond team, highlights the worrying aspects of June's inflation 'fall'.

Bank of England inflation hawk Andrew Sentance believes policymakers should start gradually raising interest rates on improving economic conditions.

Hopes of a strong Q2 earnings season boosted investor sentiment on Tuesday, helping the FTSE to triple-digit gains.

UK inflation dropped for a second consecutive month to 3.2% in June, driven by falling petrol and clothing prices, according to the Office for National Statistics.