More banks in the UK could be caught in the scandal which saw Barclays pay £290m to settle claims that it used underhand tactics to try to rig financial markets.

Following Bernankes comments regarding US inflation risks and associated intervention options to support the currency, the collar staged a rally which saw oil fall to its lowest level for two weeks.

AS commercial fishermen, bus companies, hauliers, the Irish Small and Medium Enterprise Association and British Airways yesterday reacted to soaring fuel costs by either demanding government intervention or increasing prices, America’s leading commodities regulator launched an unprecedented investigation into possible market manipulation.

French unions are mounting a sixth day of nationwide transport strikes today, despite signs the movement is running out of steam and heading towards negotiations.

A DAVY Stockbrokers sponsored $900 million hedge fund, listed on the Irish stock exchange, is being investigated by the US securities and exchange commission following allegations that the value of the fund reported to investors was inflated.

A $900m (€755.62m) hedge fund listed on the Irish stock exchange is at the centre of an investigation by the US securities and exchange commission, into allegations that the value of the fund reported to investors were overstated.