Economics

European stock markets opened higher this morning ahead of a crucial eurozone meeting on Friday which could decide the future of the single currency.

Angela Merkel and Nicholas Sarkozy are set to meet today as political commentators warn Europe is entering the end game for the crisis, which must be resolved this week to save the euro.

The Financial Services Authority's report into the collapse of Royal Bank of Scotland will not examine in any detail the role played by Sir Fred Goodwin and Sir Tom McKillop, its two most senior directors.

The Bank of England has warned lenders it is considering changes to the way bonuses are measured to make it far harder for investment bankers to justify their multi-million pound awards.

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

Outspoken investor Jim Rogers this week gave his forecast for the gold price, while Goldman Sachs analysts outlined their six key trades for 2012.

A misunderstanding meant Italy's new technocrat government appointed the wrong man to a ministry position, according to reports.

Yields on Swedish government bonds have dropped to their lowest ever levels relative to Germany today as investors flee traditional safe havens amid the eurozone panic.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel helped lift markets further today after revealing moves towards "fiscal union" in Europe were afoot.

UK markets began the session strongly, with the blue chip index putting on more than 1% initially, ahead of key jobs data from the US.