Europe

European investors who pumped billions into high-yield bonds in first half of 2011 could see asset class faced with rising default rates.

French regulators have failed in an attempt to extend the short-selling ban to major European stock markets, allowing investors to bet on further falls in financial stocks, the FT reports.

France's AAA credit rating is "stable" said ratings agency Standard & Poor's, a week after rumours hit the market the country is facing a downgrade.

The Swiss government is preparing to unveil a CHF1.5bn (£1.1bn) package to help the country deal with its soaring currency when it meets later today, Reuters reports.

The Conjecture panel discusses debt, contagion, and the outlook for European markets

Industrial production in Europe fell in June at the fastest rate since the start of the year, deepening fears economic growth will be hampered by the sovereign debt crisis.

France, Italy, Spain and Belgium have temporarily banned short-selling of financial stocks in response to sharp share price falls across Europe.

ON EUROPE

Aegon's pre-tax underlying earnings have fallen by €13m in the second quarter, to €401m, after the business was impacted by falls in the dollar and hefty charges for administration problems.

AN EVENTFUL WEEK