The double-dip recession which has plagued the UK for the first half of 2012 should officially end later this week, economists are predicting, as the impact of the Olympics and the Jubilee kick-in.
China's economy has slowed for the seventh consecutive quarter, recording an expansion of 7.4% in Q3 on the previous year.
Over the last three months, UK bank shares have enjoyed a strong rally, helped by the ECB's and US Federal Reserve's liquidity moves.
European markets have made steady gains throughout the day, fuelled by reports Spain will ask the eurozone for financial aid next month.
The UK is out of recession and had its strongest quarter in two years over the three months to September, according to NIESR.