Economics / Markets

The Dow Jones soared to a near 100-point gain in early trading on Friday as positive job data bolstered investor confidence.

The FTSE fell back from its year-high this morning as mixed results from RBS weighed heavily.

The Bank of England has held interest rates for a fifth consecutive month today, while expanding its quantitative easing measures.

On Wall Street, markets were slightly up after a turbulent start to trading after some positive jobs data was released.

The FTSE 100 has pared gains mid-morning after its strong start, which saw it set a new year high.

Investor confidence in stock markets has picked up following the recent rally, research by F&C Investments suggests.

The Dow Jones has tumbled in early trading, down 0.65% on the back of data showing US companies have cut more jobs than economists estimated last month.

The FTSE 100 is losing ground following early morning gains, down 0.31% (14.58 points) at 4656.79.

The Dow Jones has opened lower this morning following news US personal income has suffered the largest drop in four years.

The FTSE 100 rolled back some of yesterday's gains this morning, with Standard Chartered among the early casualties after announcing surprise plans to issue £1bn in new shares.