Asian markets were mixed today as investor enthusiasm over rate cuts around the world gave way to persistent fears over the severe strains in credit markets and the prospect of a global recession.

The ISEQ-index of Irish shares has jumped 29.12 points to 6,127.00 this morning as Independent News & Media announces a €4.8m deal with an Indonesian newspaper.

Independent News & Media today announced that it will purchase 20% of an Indonesian media group, and publisher of 'Republika', one of Indonesia's highest circulating national daily newspapers, PT Abdi Bangsa TBK ,for €4.8m.

Terrified tourists were fleeing the island resort of Bali today and the US Embassy in Jakarta ordered all nonessential staff and dependants to leave Indonesia, after a bomb attack that killed 188 people.