FTSE

American provider Global X has launched an ETF focusing exclusively on Argentina, listed on NYSE Arca.

World markets have responded positively to Brent crude futures falling by more than $3 after the Arab League said it was considering stepping in to end the crisis in Libya.

Libya unrest has driven Brent crude oil to a 29-month high of $119 per barrel, causing Asian markets to fall overnight and European stocks to slump as investors take profits.

Continuing unrest in Libya has dragged global markets down, with London's leading share index dropping back below the 6,000 mark reached yesterday afternoon.

European and Asian markets were sharply lower on Tuesday as sentiment was hit by escalating tensions in Libya and an earthquake in New Zealand's second-largest city which has killed at least 65 people.

US ETF issuer Global X has unveiled its FTSE Asean 40 fund on the New York Stock Exchange, investing across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.

London's leading share index was boosted this morning by a two-year high on Wall Street, following robust earnings reports and positive economic data.

A series of quarter-point interest rate hikes will begin in May, according to analysts examining Bank of England governor Mervyn King's latest obligatory letter to the Chancellor.

The Dow Jones is trading in the red after lower-than-expected US retail sales figures weighed on investor sentiment.

Global X Funds has unveiled an ETF to target the Andean region, in anticipation of a deal between Chile, Colombia and Peru to merge their stock markets.