Economics / Markets

RBS bankers will receive their bonuses entirely in shares - but can convert a large portion into cash within 12 weeks.

The FTSE 100 opened slightly down, dipping 0.02% or 0.84 points to 5,246 in early trading, as BP posted worse then expected fourth quarter results.

Goldman Sachs could pay its chief executive a bonus of up to $100m in defiance of moves by President Obama to take action against bloated bank benefits.

Banks may be forced to pay an insurance levy to provide assistance in the event of a future financial crisis.

The FTSE was marginally down by 0.04% to 5186.60, despite strong gains by utilities in early trading.

Deflation in Japan has accelerated at its fastest pace since 1970, threatening the recovery of the world's second largest economy.

Unemployment in the Eurozone hit 10% last month - the first time it has reached this level since the introduction of the single currency.

London's leading blue chip index gained slightly in early trading despite heavy losses from US technology stocks overnight.

GERMANY has triggered a near-panic flight from southern European debt markets by warning that there will be no EU bail-outs, even though it fears the region's economic crisis has turned dangerous and could prove "fatal" for the entire eurozone, reports...

The FTSE climbed 0.72% in early trading to 5255.18 bolstered by strong performances from big names.