Markets

Asian markets snapped gains made over the past week as renewed fears of a slowdown in China's economy weighed on investors.

Wall Street opened lower today, echoing losses seen in European and Asia, as investors took profits from the recent rally.

Shares across Europe rose in morning trading as the eurozone's decision to back a second €130bn (£109bn) bailout boosted hopes for an economic recovery.

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.