Economics / Markets

The Dow has slumped in early trading, despite optimistic figures showing more Americans are finding work.

The Bank of England has kept interest rates at 0.5% for the sixth consecutive month.

London trading got off to a positive start after the FTSE 100 rose above the psychologically important 5,000 points barrier yesterday.

The FTSE has breached the 5,000 barrier, driven forward by positive UK job statistics.

The FTSE opened lower in early exchanges on Wednesday on concerns global markets are outpacing the real rate of recovery.

The Dow Jones pushed ahead in early trade after its Labor Day recess, as the market reacted to Kraft's attempt to buy Cadbury.

London's blue chip index climbed to an 11-month high this morning, buoyed by surging miners.

US blue chips barely moved off the starting blocks in opening exchanges despite Government data showing US unemployment in August reached its highest level since 1983.

A revival in appetite for UK mining firms, spurred by a rebound in metal prices, helped to push up the UK's benchmark index in early exchanges.

US stocks pushed ahead, buoyed by financials, despite a hike in jobless figures.