Debt crisis: as it happened, February 3, 2012

The FTSE 100 has closed at a seven-month high after US data showing more US people are in work boosted global markets, while Greece announces it is to auction €625m of Treasury bills next week.

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The Chancellor and RBS: Osborne’s failure to get a grip

Don't blame Hester or Goodwin. The complacency of our part-time Chancellor is at the heart of the banking crisis, says Peter Oborne.

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Go West, young man, and East too

Good news on exports and manufacturing for the British economy on Wednesday. Or at least the British part of the world economy.

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Spending cuts may be fantasy but what is the alternative?

What have they been smoking at the Treasury?

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UK consumer confidence recovers in January

A glimmer of light was shed on the economy after a leading survey suggested that consumer confidence improved markedly in January.

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Japanese manufacturing rebounds amid warnings of weak demand

Japan's industrial production rebounded 4pc in December and household spending increased, suggesting the stressed economy is gaining some steam after last year's tsunami disaster.

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EU leaders holding up vital Greek debt deal

Pressure from European Union leaders for more fundamental reforms in Greece is holding up the vital debt deal that would mean private creditors to the country taking losses of as much as 70pc.

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The great EU conjuring trick

The original players behind the single currency claim astonishing sleights of hand have brought the euro to its knees, says Allan Little and Jane Beresford

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Chancellor George Osborne to unveil new powers to rein in the banks

The Treasury will on Friday publish plans for a radical overhaul of financial regulation that will hand the Chancellor new powers to take charge in a crisis and rein in the might of the Bank of England.

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US growth expectations cemented by company spending

An increase in spending by US companies last month has cemented expectations that the world's largest economy accelerated in the final quarter of 2011.

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