GDP

Worse-than-expected economic data from the US last week reignited fears of a double-dip recession, but managers are cautiously optimistic the economy will remain supportive of global growth.

France has reduced its economic growth forecast for 2011 by 0.5% to 2% following a meeting between President Sarkozy and top finance ministers.

NORTH AMERICA

CREDIT CRISIS: 3 YEARS ON

UK GROWTH

German GDP grew 2.2% in the second quarter, the largest gain in more than 20 years.

EM PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

SECTOR WATCH

Alan Greenspan, the former chairman of the Federal Reserve, believes the US economy still faces the threat of the dreaded double dip recession.

UPDATE: The FTSE has bounced back from heavy losses earlier this afternoon on the back of weak GDP figures from the US.