Markets

Fears about slowing global growth forced markets sharply lower on Tuesday, with the FTSE 100 and indices across Europe tumbling.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has fined a former managing director at Merrill Lynch International for disclosing inside information about Punch Taverns prior to its 2009 rights issue.

Greek politicians have accused European leaders of trying to force the indebted nation out of the euro after triple-A rated governments threatened to postpone elections and install a technocratic government.

Hargreaves Lansdown shares fell sharply in morning trading as investors looked past record profits to focus on slowing business growth.

Investors can continue to buy 10-year debt issued by safe haven governments in 2012, with the risk of losing vast sums diminished, said Kames Capital's David Roberts.

US markets were treading water this afternoon following a cautiously optimistic speech by US Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke.

European markets edged lower this morning, echoing falls across Asia overnight, as investors showed caution over the outcome of the Greek debt swap deal.

UK stocks were muted mid-morning as investors took profits and fretted once more over the outlook for Europe and the Greek debt deal.

Leading indices across the world closed up at multi-month highs overnight as investors remain in risk-on mode despite the ongoing eurozone crisis.

European stocks advanced this afternoon following the US Federal Reserve's interest rate outlook, with miners driving the FTSE 100 to build on earlier gains.