FTSE

Global markets have been boosted by news of a ceasefire in Libya, rising oil prices and intervention by the G7 nations to suppress the value of the yen.

Riskier assets are delivering a rebound on hopes the Japanese authorities are taking control of the crisis hit country, countering renewed concern about Libya which is again boosting the oil price.

Global markets are continuing to fight back with all the leading indices trading in the black after G7 finance ministers agreed to cool the soaring yen.

The FTSE ticked 40 points higher in early trade on Thursday as investors paused for breath following days of volatility as a result of the nuclear crisis in Japan.

Updated: Global stock markets fell sharply on Tuesday as investor panic spreads following a third explosion at Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant.

Japan's stock market lost almost 7% after its first full day of trading following the earthquake and tsunami that struck the country on Friday.

Insurance stocks worldwide took a big hit today in anticipation of future payouts following the huge earthquake and tsunami which hit Japan overnight.

A major earthquake in Japan last night rocked fragile markets already reeling from Moody's downgrade of Spain yesterday, with the FTSE 100 falling further after hitting a five week low.

Markets fell across the board at the start of trading today, after Moody's downgraded Spain's government debt from Aa1 to Aa2 with a negative outlook.

The FTSE100 fell in early trading as concerns over EU debt problems offset any reassurance the market might take from easing oil prices.