09/10/2008

Global Markets Rally After Rates Cut

A co-ordinated global interest rate reduction has helped rally international markets, following one of the most financially turbulent weeks experienced in decades.

A massive capital injection by central government has helped banking shares boost the UK's FTSE 100 index by around 1.7%.

France's Cac index grew by 2.7%, while Germany's Dax added 1.9%.

Across the pond, the Dow Jones index on Wall Street opened 1.4% up.

The Nikkei index in Japan closed lower on fears for its economy.

Japan was unable to cut interest rates any further yesterday, as the domestic rate already stood at 0.5%.

Investors became anxious after more work to strengthen the economy was ordered by Prime Minister Taro Aso - who has already administered 2 trillion yen to stimulate markets.

UK banks saw share values rise, aided by yesterday’s rescue plan which was unveiled by Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Stocks in HBOS were up 36%, with the Royal Bank of Scotland adding 16%.

However, analysts are still unsure whether the move will be enough to end the ongoing economic turmoil.

(PR/JM)

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