Economics

Weaker than expected economic data from China has caused a sell-off in risk assets, especially commodities.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is expected to release a gloomier picture of the world economy this week, trimming its forecast for global growth this year by 0.1%.

Economic growth in China slowed unexpectedly in the first quarter of the year, sparking concerns about the strength of the country's recovery.

Goldman Sachs expects strong returns from equities to continue in the next three years, led by the Asia ex Japan region.

Global markets soared on Wednesday after the US Federal Reserve inadvertently released minutes from its latest policy meeting five hours earlier than planned.

The UK will narrowly escape a triple-dip recession with economic growth for Q1 forecast to be 0.1%, acccording to the National Institute of Economic and Social Research(NIESR).

Chinese and wider Asia stock markets were boosted today by better than expected inflation data from China.

Portugal's constitutional court has ruled against the country's planned austerity programme, putting its £78bn bailout package in jeopardy and creating a fresh crisis for the eurozone.

Credit rating agency Standard & Poor's has warned of the continuing negative outlook for the UK economy, but reaffirmed its triple A rating for the country.

The FTSE 100 has shed almost 2% after US employment numbers for March came in well below expectations.