Economics / Markets

US stocks rose on Tuesday following news housebuilders were far busier than anticipated in February.

The FTSE 100 has powered more than 2.5% higher this afternoon as Barclays shares continue to soar.

Barclays shares are soaring this morning as the banking giant announced it is in talks to sell its iShares business.

The Dow Jones closed up for the third consecutive session on Thursday, adding 239.66 points (3.36%) to 7,170.06 (3.36%).

Insurer Aviva continued its poor recent run on Thursday as the FTSE fell marginally into the red in early trading.

London markets were mixed as the afternoon progressed, with the FTSE100 down just 2.35 points (0.06%) to 3,712.88 shortly before 3pm.

Markets opened down after a huge rally on Tuesday, with the FTSE100 losing 25.36 points (0.68%) to 3,689.87.

Barclays shares soared on Tuesday amid reports it may join the UK Treasury's asset insurance scheme.

Wealth managers and banks helped the FTSE recover from an early scare in trading on Tuesday.

Financials weighed heavily on the FTSE 100 this morning, pushing the index down more than 27 points (0.77%) to 3,503.66 by 8.30am.