Economics / Markets

The Dow Jones made marginal gains in early trading on Wednesday after the number of new homes purchased jumped more than forecast in July.

The FTSE has made marginal losses in early trading, weighed down by disappointing company results despite a rally from financial stocks.

The Dow Jones is higher this morning on improving house price data and a rebound in consumer confidence.

The FTSE 100 has opened lower this morning as investor confidence was dented by weaker Asian markets overnight and a flat US session on Monday.

The Dow Jones hit a fresh year high this morning after Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke said the US economy is nearing recovery.

The UK's leading share index powered to a new year high on fresh hopes that an economic recovery in on the cards.

US stocks advanced for a fourth session as investors cheered a surprise rise in home sales in July.

The FTSE 100 continues to advance this morning, adding 5.55 points, or 0.12%, to 4,762.13 at just past 9:30am.

The FTSE 100 fell sharply on opening this morning, with another poor day in Asia cancelling out yesterday's gains for London's blue chip index.

The cost of living for pensioners remains much higher than the Government's official inflation measure, according to Alliance Trust Research Centre.