Currencies
London close: FTSE up as Lloyds, Barratt lead blue chips higher
Shares in London ended Wednesday on a mixed note after confirmation the UK saw better than expected economic growth at the end of 2016, with blue chips benefiting from a softer sterling.
FX round-up: Sterling, dollar lower as markets anticipate FOMC minutes
Sterling was mostly lower Wednesday as mixed UK economic data reinvigorated Brexit nerves in the market, with investors' attentions now on the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes due out at 19:00 GMT.
Bonds: French-German yield spread widens, Greek bonds jump
This is how the yields on some of the most widely-followed 10-year sovereign government bonds behaved:.
Commodities: Crude falls as concerns of lingering global glut come to the fore
Crude futures pushed lower Wednesday as some in the market took a view that the global supply glut of the black liquid is set to last a lot longer.
Theresa May promises 'relief' for small businesses, stops short of cash pledge
British Prime Minister Theresa May has reassured business affected by rates rises related to property valuations that there will be "appropriate relief" given to those worst hit, but would not promise any cash to aid those struggling.
Brexit without new trade deal for UK would be 'insane' - Sir Ivan Rogers
Britain's former trade envoy to the EU has slammed the prospect of Brexit without a new trade deal in place as "insane," with markets having sweated for months about the UK's prospects in a post-separation world.
US existing home sales rise more than expected in January
Sales of US existing homes rose more than expected in January, to a 10-year high, according to data from the National Association of Realtors.
Qatar oil minister says OPEC deal had 'remarkable impact' on falling prices - report
The OPEC's agreement to cut global oil production, which has led to a recovery in prices, and "return the market to balance", Qatar's energy minister said in a speech in London on Wednesday.
Macron's lead over Le pen widens slightly
French independent candidate Emmanuel Macron´s backing among voters ticked higher on Wednesday, as that for his Socialist contender Benoit Hamon slipped.
German Ifo business confidence unexpectedly improves in February
German business confidence unexpectedly improved in February, according to a widely-followed survey.
Eurozone inflation confirmed at 1.8% for January
Inflation in the eurozone rose 1. 8% in January compared to a 1. 1% jump the month before and close to the European Central Bank’s target of just below 2%, data from Eurostat confirmed on Wednesday.
Trump administration to crack down on immigrant deportation
US President Donald Trump is set to crack his immigration whip once again as his administration plans a major tightening of its deportation laws on illegal immigrants.
Higher trade tariffs in US and abroad would be "very bad", Fed´s Williams says
A top US central banker said the strength of the US economy called for gradual interest rate hikes over the next few years, while conceding that the new US administration´s economic policy choices might influence the appropriate pace of policy normalisation.