The relaxation of VCT investment criteria announced in yesterday's Budget will spark a number of new AIM VCT launches, says Oliver Bedford, manager of the Hargreave Hale AIM VCTs.

Hedge fund guru George Soros has argued the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) must take control of Europe's banking system if it is to solve the sovereign debt crisis without causing another banking collapse.

Venture Capital Trust providers warn solar VCTs may cease to exist following George Osborne's latest proposals.

VCTs and EIS will be able to invest in businesses with gross assets of up to £15m, from the current level of £7m, according to new rules announced in today's Budget.

Chancellor George Osborne has announced "sweeping changes" will be made to Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS) to boost small businesses.

Egypt's stock exchange fell 10% this morning on reopening for the first time in nearly two months, prompting the authorities to shut it once more.

European stock markets are subdued in early trading and have been unable to mirror the overnight gains made in Asia and the US.

Global markets were buoyant today as fears eased over the possibility of a nuclear meltdown in Japan.

INDIA - PART ELEPHANT, PART TIGER

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.