Economics / Markets

US shares dipped into negative territory in early trading as the after-shock of Dubai's debt mountain disclosure continued to shake world markets.

The FTSE opened better than expected in early trading Friday after concerns over Dubai's financial health sent Asian markets plummeting.

UK private equity companies reacted angrily last night after a European parliamentary committee proposed widening the scope of a controversial directive for alternative fund managers.

European shares were lower this morning in early trading (FTSE Eurofirst 300 -0.6%; FTSE 100 -0.6%).

Lloyds Banking Group has launched a record-breaking £13.5bn rights issue at a near-40% discount as part of a massive fund raising to strengthen its balance sheet, reports The Telegraph.

In London, shares opened up strongly this morning with the FTSE 100 up 1.7%, as miners and energy stocks were driven by buoyant commodity prices.

Gordon Brown will take his radical proposal to tax City trading to Britain's business leaders today, as a survey shows more than half of voters would back the plan if the proceeds went to help the poorest in society.

Société Générale has advised clients to be ready for a possible "global economic collapse" over the next two years, mapping a strategy of defensive investments to avoid wealth destruction.

The Queen has revealed details of the Fiscal Responsibility Bill today, designed to cut Britain's growing budget deficit.

A pensioner is fighting to claw back almost £18,000 in commission and charges that were snatched from his pension just a year before he planned to retire.