SIGNIFICANT yield increases on Spanish and Italian government debt hit international markets, yesterday, as investor concern over the eurozone debt crisis rose again.

A FALL in Italian bond yields helped some international markets buck a three-day losing streak, yesterday but new concerns over France blocked any real growth.

EUROPEAN markets fell for a third consecutive day yesterday as the eurozone crisis spotlight switched to Italy.

THE ISEQ index of Irish shares fell over 4% yesterday, a pattern consistent across all major international stock exchanges in light of Greece’s decision to hold a referendum on its latest bailout offer.

EUROPEAN markets were down yesterday, with investors jittery ahead of today’s EU summit meeting in Brussels — the second in four days — amid concerns that leaders may struggle to find a solution to the eurozone debt crisis.

EUROPEAN markets were down yesterday as Germany said that a G20 ultimatum for a concrete solution to the eurozone debt crisis to be in place by early next week was unrealistic.

THE strongest hint yet that Greece is headed for debt default came yesterday when its government admitted it will miss deficit targets this year and remain in recession next year.

INTERNATIONAL stock markets enjoyed a rare consecutive day’s rise yesterday as optimism surrounding positive solutions to the eurozone debt crisis being found gathered momentum.

OPTIMISM amongst investors over some kind of solution being found by policymakers to stem the debt crisis in the eurozone saw gains on most international markets yesterday.

The new head of the London Stock Exchange today said the bourse had cut 133 jobs as rivals eat away at the business.

Dame Clara Furse is planning to step down from her role as chief executive of the London Stock Exchange, it was reported today.

The London Stock Exchange (LSE) is today reportedly launching hefty fee cuts and incentives to help it fend off a raft of new equity trading rivals.

The London Stock Exchange came under pressure on its own market today as fears over its prospects amid increased competition overshadowed a 45% leap in annual profits.

The London Stock Exchange is to trade in the FTSE 100 Index for the first time in its history, it emerged today.

Qatar could make a £1bn (€1.47bn) swoop to buy almost a third of the London Stock Exchange, it was reported today.

The Australian Stock Exchange today reportedly played down rumours it was eyeing Nasdaq's 31% stake in the London Stock Exchange.

London Stock Exchange shareholders have given their support for its £1.6bn (€2.36bn) takeover of Borsa Italiana.

The London Stock Exchange today confirmed it has met with failed suitor and US rival Nasdaq as it seeks shareholder backing for its £1.1bn (€1.6bn) Borsa Italiana takeover.

London’s FTSE 100 Index recorded its first positive finish in six sessions today after benefiting from a strong start to trading on Wall Street.

Rising interest rates claimed a major casualty today after car dealership Pendragon warned its profits would be hit by a consumer spending slowdown.

The London Stock Exchange has agreed a £1.1bn takeover offer for its Milan-based counterpart, Borsa Italiana.

EURONEXT shareholders yesterday approved overwhelmingly a $14 billion (€10.63bn) plan to merge the multinational European exchange operator with the New York Stock Exchange and form the first transatlantic bourse.