Europe

Violent protests have broken out in Athens on a day when MPs voted in favour of introducing a package of austerity measures.

Dawn Kendall, multi-manager at Architas, uses historical examples to pinpoint why the European monetary union is bound to fail in its present form.

UK oil leviathan BP today announced its first dividend hike since it resumed payouts a year ago, after revealing profits had soared in the fourth quarter of 2011.

The Bank of England will this week pump at least £50bn into the economy, according to a report in the Independent.

David Hambidge, investment director for pooled funds at Premier, explains why income is one of his top themes for 2012.

Charlotte Richards talks to global equity income fund managers about the benefits (and drawbacks) of the new sector classification, and what is driving the performance of their portfolios and dividend growth

UK stocks were muted mid-morning as investors took profits and fretted once more over the outlook for Europe and the Greek debt deal.

Britain is not "walking away" from Europe, but safety measures must be put in place for EU countries that are outside the single currency, said Prime Minister David Cameron.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has slashed its growth forecasts for a number of major European economies for 2012 due to ongoing concerns about the region's recovery.

UK markets were firmer today, reaching new highs for 2012 as investors went to risk-on mode, despite the threat of a stand-off between Greece and its bondholders.