Interest rates will be kept on hold today as more signs of economic cheer cast doubt over Bank of England governor Mark Carney’s forward guidance strategy.

Pressure is mounting on Bank of England governor Mark Carney ahead of tomorrow’s interest rates meeting as gathering signs of economic cheer cast doubt over his forward guidance strategy.

Sluggish economic data from the world’s biggest economy offset gains by buoyant banking stocks, sending the FTSE 100 Index into the red and continuing a turbulent performance by the top tier.

Stock markets fell sharply today on fears that an unprecedented levy on bank deposits in Cyprus will plunge Europe back into crisis.

Traders in London were left in limbo today after Hurricane Sandy forced Wall Street to shut down for the first time since the September 11 attacks.

Investors have reacted warily to comments by Spain’s prime minister that he will not accept certain conditions in return for a European Central Bank (ECB) proposal to buy Spanish government bonds.

A deal between Greece and the rest of the eurozone to secure a second massive bailout for the debt-laden country was finally delivered today – but analysts warned the “crisis marathon is not over”.

Markets have plunged on fears that Europe’s plan to save the euro was already unravelling after the shock Greek decision to call a referendum on the country’s latest rescue.

Investors abandoned the markets today after the Greek Prime Minister fuelled uncertainty by announcing shock plans to hold a referendum on the eurozone rescue plan.

TRADERS went on a buying spree on world markets yesterday after European leaders delivered a long-awaited action plan to tackle the eurozone debt crisis.

The London market clawed back its earlier losses today after better than expected data from the US calmed fears caused by disappointing German growth.

European stocks fell again today as concerns over the financial health of French banks reignited, and any optimism over Wall Street's faded.

FEARS over the health of the US economy and eurozone delivered a devastating two-pronged attack on investor confidence this week.

London shares were at a five-month low today as further cracks in the US economy and Europe’s escalating debt crisis rattled investors.

The escalating political unrest in Egypt took its toll on global markets today as oil prices pushed higher and shares in the travel sector slumped.

Sterling and the FTSE 100 Index slid today after figures revealed a shock contraction in the UK economy in the final three months of 2010.

The FTSE 100 Index cheered investors in 2010 with better-than-expected growth of about 9%, although there are fears that the coming year could be much more difficult for the London market.

The pound was at a six-month low against the euro today amid mounting expectations for the Bank of England to pump more money into the economy.

Stocks were subdued on both sides of the Atlantic today as investors took profits after Monday’s big gains.

The FTSE 100 ended a six-day winning streak today as US retail figures disappointed and investors took the chance to book profits.

The Liberal Democrat and Conservative negotiating teams will meet at the Cabinet Office in Whitehall at 10am to resume talks over the composition of the next government.

The pound slumped to its lowest level against the dollar for more than a year today as a looming hung Parliament in the UK sparked a sell-off.

The London market hit a new 22-month high today amid decent economic news despite the growing prospect of an International Monetary Fund bail-out for Greece.