Odey Asset Management founder Crispin Odey has been picking up shares in Barclays Bank after the share price fell more than 15% in a single day.

The Republic of Ireland has returned to the capital markets for the first since it received an international bailout in 2010.

Members of Parliament have called on Bob Diamond to give up his payout from Barclays following the LIBOR scandal that has engulfed his former bank.

Bob Diamond has told MPs he feared Barclays would be nationalised during the credit crisis because of its high borrowing rate.

Three former members of Neptune's sales team, headed by John Lester, have joined Argonaut Capital Partners.

Bank of England governor Mervyn King said he voted for more QE at the last meeting of the MPC because he is fearful over the outlook for Asia, emerging markets, and the US, as well as the ongoing eurozone crisis.

The computer glitch which has seen NatWest customers unable to access their money for a week could cost RBS chief executive Stephen Hester his bonus, according to reports.

European equities lost ground in afternoon trading ahead of a crucial EU summit, as Spain officially asked its eurozone neighbours for a bailout.

EUROZONE CRISIS

The Bush era tax cuts due to expire at the end of the year could send the US economy back into recession unless Congress intervenes, according to leading commentators.