Economics / Markets

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

A key estimate of UK GDP suggests output increased in the three months ending in January, but indications of a more substantial recovery are still wide of the mark, according to the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR).

UK inflation is likely to have risen to around 3.5%, exceeding the Bank of England's (BoE) target for the third time.