News

US shares have built on yesterday's gains in early trading after data showed US retail sales posted their biggest gain for four months in July.

Industrial production in Europe fell in June at the fastest rate since the start of the year, deepening fears economic growth will be hampered by the sovereign debt crisis.

China has voiced concerns over the eurozone crisis, urging Europe and the US to deal with their debt pile, Reuters reports.

The UK's major banks remain on course to meet their targets for lending to businesses as part of their commitment to Project Merlin.

Updated: The FTSE 100 got off to a weak start on Friday but stablised by mid-morning following efforts in several European countries to calm volatility in share trading.

Investors can find some attractive opportunities in bond markets amid the turmoil, according to SWIP's Steven Logan, co-manager of the group's £1.3bn High Yield Bond fund.

France has reported annualised GDP growth of zero in the second quarter, raising concerns over the government's ability to meet its financial targets.

France, Italy, Spain and Belgium have temporarily banned short-selling of financial stocks in response to sharp share price falls across Europe.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has warned investors against buying shares from cold callers claiming to be from Glencore International Plc.

Premier Asset Management is proposing to wind up its China Opportunities fund after it failed to attract sufficient assets.