European Union

Investors piled into risk assets today as the results of last night's summit talks in Europe gave investors hope that an end to the crisis is in sight.

European ministers' decision to agree a bailout for Spain's banking sector at the weekend has boosted markets, but managers remain cautious on the the extent to which it will solve the eurozone's long-term problems.

Barclays shares have rallied following the news the UK bank has accepted €8.2bn in three-year loans from the European Central Bank's latest lending programme.

The European Central Bank has suspended the use of Greek government bonds as collateral for institutions trying to access central bank loans, in the latest twist in the unfolding crisis.

The UK fund management industry faces complete transformation if the financial transaction tax - or Tobin tax - is implemented, commentators have warned.

France's minister for European affairs Jean Leonetti has signaled plans for a Europe-wide financial transaction tax are set to be legalised by the end of 2012, despite opposition from countries including the UK.

ON UK GROWTH

It is indeed ironic that it was the French Emperor, Napoleon, who once said "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake." I wonder whether this thought was echoing in David Cameron's head as he decided to use Britain's veto?

DEBT CRISIS BLOG

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.