Economics / Markets

In London, markets fell slightly in early trading due to unease over US economic data, due to be released next week. The FTSE 100 was down 17.8 points, or 0.28%, to 6,297.4.

The FTSE closed at 6315.2p this afternoon after climbing 11.9 points, or 0.19%.

The FTSE opened at 6321.2p this morning after climbing 17.9 points, or 0.28%.

SCHRODERS has launched a Middle East fund, offering exposure to some of the world's fastest growing economies.

RAPIDLY declining market confidence is creating opportunities in Asia and emerging Europe, while problems brewing in the US banking sector are being largely ignored, according to Baring Asset Management.

In London, markets rose as it looked like the Fed would cut US interest rates and ease the sub-prime market crisis and the FTSE 100 closed up 91.3, or 1.47%, to 6,303.3.

In London, markets were up on news that George Bush will announce reforms to help sub-prime borrowers and the FTSE 100 was up 29.4 points, or 0.47%, to 6,241.4.

A morning recovery on Wall Street drove the FTSE 100 to solid afternoon gains; the index closed the day 79.8 points up, or 1.3%, to 6212.

Backed by oil firms, the FTSE has made a positive start to the day climbing 50 points, or 0.82%, to 6182.2.

The FTSE rose 10.6 points, or 0.17%, to 6112.8p this afternoon.