Equity markets

Investment banks believe the FTSE 100 will end the year above 6,000 points - despite the turmoil of recent weeks, according to a new survey.

The FTSE 100 has opened 3% higher after the Dow Jones added 250 points overnight, with financials leading the surge.

German growth lurched sharply lower in the second quarter of 2011, piling more pressure on the eurozone and sending shares in the UK lower in early trading.

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.

THE THREE MAJOR ISSUES FACING THE US

US markets have opened higher after a calmer atmosphere saw the FTSE 100 recover the day's losses.

The FTSE 100 has entered bear market territory, having now fallen 20% from recent highs after the index lost as much as 5% in early trading on Tuesday.

Fidelity's Anthony Bolton has said this week's tumultuous equity markets should be seen by investors as a "time of opportunity".

The FTSE dropped more than 3% in early trading on Friday, following US and Asian markets sharply lower as the global sell-off continues.

US markets have reversed earlier gains after manufacturing data raised further doubts about the strength of the economic recovery.