GDP

The UK's economy grew at 0.8% between July and September, higher than most economists had expected.

The index of 100 leading shares was down a third of a percent just after opening, as the markets await figures for UK growth.

Bank of England Governor Mervyn King has thrown his weight behind breaking up the banks as part of reforms to protect the taxpayer from another financial meltdown.

The UK recovery is losing momentum and will slow over the winter but chances of a double-dip recession are "exaggerated", according to the Ernst & Young ITEM Club.

How emerging markets are more than just China

It was confirmed today that UK GDP rose by 1.2% in Q2 as previously estimated, representing the biggest increase since Q1 2001.

Ireland's GDP contracted 1.2% in the second quarter and confounded analysts' expectations of 0.5% growth, according to an initial estimate released today.

The European Commission has revised GDP forecasts for the UK slightly upwards, while the EU as a whole has also seen its figure boosted.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned long-term fiscal reforms will be required among advanced economies as it projected the UK's gross debt to GDP would rise to 90.6% in 2015.

The Federal Reserve is prepared to take "unconventional measures" to prop up the US economic recovery, said Ben Bernanke in a speech today.