GDP

US economic growth saw a sharp slowdown in the first quarter of the year as a strong dollar hit exports, and bad weather hampered consumer spending.

Sterling and gilt yields have dropped after an initial UK GDP estimate showed growth slowed more than expected in Q1.

UK economic growth in the fourth quarter of last year was stronger than previously thought, according to the latest estimate from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Anti-corruption drive implications

Lower inflation, driven by a fall in oil prices, has helped the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) upgrade UK growth forecasts for 2015 and 2016 and given the government room to move on near-term borrowing.

Which way will the economy go?

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has confirmed GDP in the UK expanded by 0.5% in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Japan came out of a recession last year after two consecutive quarters of negative growth.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has upgraded its UK growth forecast in the face of low inflation and falling unemployment figures.

The eurozone economy beat growth expectations in the last quarter of 2014, buoyed by a resurgent Germany.