Dow Jones

Lloyds Banking Group is among the early losers on Thursday despite reports it is considering a new form of capital to offer to shareholders in a bid to cut its use of the Government's insurance scheme for toxic assets.

The Dow Jones made marginal gains in early trading on Wednesday after the number of new homes purchased jumped more than forecast in July.

The Dow Jones is higher this morning on improving house price data and a rebound in consumer confidence.

The Dow Jones hit a fresh year high this morning after Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke said the US economy is nearing recovery.

The UK's leading share index powered to a new year high on fresh hopes that an economic recovery in on the cards.

US stocks advanced for a fourth session as investors cheered a surprise rise in home sales in July.

The FTSE 100 has bounced back over 4,700 for the first time since opening this week, with mining stocks at the forefront of today's strong gains.

The FTSE 100 fell sharply on opening this morning, with another poor day in Asia cancelling out yesterday's gains for London's blue chip index.

The Dow Jones climbed in early trading on Tuesday despite a marked slump in US housing starts.

The Dow Jones was rapidly approaching a 2% drop in early trading on Monday on fears the recent rally may have been overdone.