Nikkei

The FTSE 100 sold off sharply in early trading alongside indices across Europe as fears over a break-up of the region swept across markets once again.

It has been an uncomfortable summer for investors as the credit crisis from 2008 continues to plague markets, this time in the guise of a sovereign debt crisis. But how have markets really coped?

The FTSE 100 was up sharply mid-morning after a strong session in Asia saw markets claw back much of the losses seen in recent days.

Japan's beleaguered prime minister Naoto Kan has resigned after a turmoil-filled 15 months in office, clearing the way for the country's sixth leader in five years.

Asian stocks have slumped on Monday, extending one of the worst sell-offs in recent years, after Standard and Poor's cut the US' AAA-credit rating.

Japan's leading share index extended its winning streak to six days overnight, it's longest spell of consecutive positive returns since March's earthquake and tsunami.

Global markets surged this morning following yesterday's green light for Greece's five-year austerity plan.

Greek prime minister George Papandreou yesterday survived a vote of confidence in his government, sending Asian markets soaring overnight.

European markets climbed this morning on news IMF head Dominique Strauss-Kahn had resigned following sex crime allegations.

Renewed fears over efforts to cool Japan's nuclear reactors have lead to a sluggish start to the week for European markets.