FTSE 100

After a volatile start to 2012, equity markets have staged a prolonged rally in recent weeks.

A fund manager's age does have an effect on whether they should outperform, with those in their early 40s most likely to beat their peers, according to research from Scottish Widows Investment Partnership's(SWIP) multi-manager team.

UK stocks will climb 10% over the next few months, said Colin McLean, managing director of SVM Asset Management, with industrials and financials set for the strongest rally.

UK

Shares across Europe rose in morning trading as the eurozone's decision to back a second €130bn (£109bn) bailout boosted hopes for an economic recovery.

ON UK INCOME

US markets climbed overnight to finish the session stronger ahead as Greece managed to avert an immediate default.

Markets in the UK and across Europe were gaining this morning, with investors optimistic holders of Greek debt will agree to a restructured deal.

US stocks saw their worst day so far in 2012 yesterday as Greek debt swap concerns and fears over global growth put pressure on markets.

Fears about slowing global growth forced markets sharply lower on Tuesday, with the FTSE 100 and indices across Europe tumbling.