FTSE

Update (3pm): The Dow Jones dropped 35 points in early US trading on Wednesday after better-than-forcast employment figures had momentarily lifted investor sentiment.

US markets have reversed earlier gains after manufacturing data raised further doubts about the strength of the economic recovery.

Global markets climbed overnight and in early trading on Monday on news the US has agreed an outline solution to its debt crisis.

The FTSE has plunged in mid-afternoon trading with banking stocks hard hit after Santander released poor results and the impasse over the US debt ceiling shows no sign of ending.

The Dow Jones closed more than 90 points lower on Tuesday amid escalating fears the US will default on its debt for the first time in its history.

European markets have surged on reports eurozone leaders will back a 'selective default' on Greek debt.

Andy Brown, investment director at Prudential Portfolio Management Group, on why transparency is not a cure-all for the industry's woes.

Bank shares began to regain lost ground in early trading today after Friday's stress test results sparked sharp falls among some of the UK's biggest banks.

UPDATE 9am: Global stockmarkets have almost doubled losses seen in early trading on growing concerns the debt crisis in the eurozone may spread to Italy and Spain.

The FTSE has had a bright start to trading with a host of financials enjoying early gains.