Economics / Markets

The UK economy shrank by less than previously forecast between April and June, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Firmer commodity prices lifted mining stocks and led the FTSE higher on Friday following two sessions of losses.

Lloyds Banking Group is among the early losers on Thursday despite reports it is considering a new form of capital to offer to shareholders in a bid to cut its use of the Government's insurance scheme for toxic assets.

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.