FTSE

The FTSE has advanced more than 60 points on Tuesday as investors were buoyed by news of US tax cuts, but European debt fears were keeping a lid on sentiment ahead of the Irish budget.

ON UK GROWTH

The FTSE 100 was up 1.09% or 60.17 to 5588.44 at 10.20am, shrugging off yesterday's dull showing after concerns over the eurozone debt left the index firmly in the red.

European funds have recouped most of last year's losses by focusing on global companies and avoiding debt-ridden countries

The FTSE 100 advanced 0.67% or 38.68 points to 5,771.51 as investors responded positively to news Ireland has agreed to a bailout.

The FTSE is slightly down in early trading, with RBS hit by fears it may be exposed to Ireland's economic problems.

Legal & General Investment Managers has launched an emerging markets tracker fund for Robert Dowling.

F&C's Paul Carne has taken an overweight equity position across his four-strong Lifestyle range.

ASSET.TV INTERVIEW

The FTSE is down over a percentage point in afternoon trading with better-than-expected growth figures failing to lift investors as concerns over the banking sector weigh on sentiment.