The €440bn European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) has been given the highest possible ratings by the three main agencies.

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

HMRC is facing accusations it cannot cope with the new 50p rate of income tax.

The FTSE fell back slightly in early trading on Thursday despite strong overnight showings on Wall Street and in Asia.

The FTSE advanced in early trading following positive overnight signs in the US and a mini rally in Asia.

Markets on both sides of the Atlantic have continued on their downward trajectory amid fears about the economic recovery.

The game of 'chicken' being played out by US politicians could increase the risk of a double-dip recession, Bank of America warns.

The yen has hit a 15-year high against the US dollar against a backdrop of inaction by the Japanese Government.

The FTSE 100 and other major global indices are in sharp decline today on the back of poor US unemployment data.