Economics / Markets

The FTSE was up 40.81 points (0.84%) to 5,185.53, buoyed by news of a tie-up between British Airways and American Airlines.

Millions of Americans will now own a little piece of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway after the company listed on the S&P500 after trading closed on Wall Street last week.

Japan's economy grew by a better than expected 1.1% in the final quarter of last year, although it contracted by over 5% during the whole of 2009.

The Dow Jones fell 135 points in early trading after China said it would ask banks to up reserve levels, restricting their lending capabilities.

The FTSE is up 0.71% to 5,198.05 in early trading as it tries to shake off a wobbly performance yesterday as uncertainty about the Greek bail-out plan weighed on European markets.

Germany's recovery from recession faltered in the final quarter of 2009, according to preliminary figures released today.

European markets have been hit hard by news Greece will receive bailout cash to tackle its debt crisis.

European leaders have reached an agreement to bailout Greece, which is suffering from a huge debt crisis.

London trading got off to a strong start Thursday, following positive results for Rio Tinto and rumours Aviva could be the target of a buyout bid.

Julian Chillingworth, CIO of Rathbone Unit Trust Management, takes a closer look at the implications of the latest inflation figures