FTSE claws back losses after €24bn Irish bailout hit

Yesterday's test results revealed an additional €24bn in recapitalisation needs for the Republic of Ireland's four main banks. London's leading index, having been flat for most of Thursday, declined sharply as the results filtered in. However, this morning, the index has advanced almost 50 points, or 0.8%, to sit at 5,956. Today, investors will be keeping a close eye on the US's March payroll report, which is due out this afternoon. Elsewhere in Europe, the German Dax was up 0.93% to 7,106 and French Cac rose 0.73% to 4,018. Overnight in the US the Dow Jones slipped 0.25% to ...