GDP

London's leading share index rose this morning, recovering from yesterday's fall following news the UK economy contracted by 0.5% in the fourth quarter of last year.

Fund managers are split on what the unexpected contraction in UK growth means for the future of the economic recovery.

UK GDP contracted by 0.5% in the last three months of 2010, shocking economists who had predicted growth of between 0.2% and 0.6% and sending sterling into freefall.

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IS BRAZIL THE NEXT BUBBLE?

The British economy grew by 0.7% in Q3, lower than the previously estimated figure of 0.8%.

UK All Companies funds suffered a difficult 2010 - in sales terms, at least - with the peer group revealed as the industry's least popular sector in February-April, September and October.

Ireland's economy saw a return to growth in Q3, with GDP up 0.5% on the previous quarter.

Neptune CEO Robin Geffen has dismissed fears China is overheating, but warns there is a bubble forming in bond markets.