Economics

Rathbones has further expanded its team of investor directors with the appointment of Peter Anwyl-Harris and James Brennan.

Bank shares climbed in early trading, regaining some ground after Friday's stress test results caused sharp falls in the UK's major banks.

Markets have remained lower this afternoon as negative reaction to European bank stress tests continue to drag on the FTSE 100.

Gold broke the $1,600 barrier in early trading today as markets awaited further developments in the US and eurozone.

Clive Cowdery, the self-made insurance tycoon who gives away much of his wealth, is considering a surprise bid for the 630 bank branches being sold by Lloyds Banking Group.

Worries over the eurozone debt crisis have prompted the Ernst & Young Item Club to cut its forecast for GDP growth this year from 1.8% to 1.4%.

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON

Veteran investor Jim Rogers is long the euro in his portfolio as he expects the eurozone to survive the sovereign debt crisis.

The Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke has ramped up pressure on Congress to agree on its debt ceiling level, in light of rating agencies S&P's and Moody's threats to cut the US' triple-A debt rating.

Manager says Greece's austerity and ‘bipolar' sentiment in US pose crucial headwinds.