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Stocks rebound on recovery hopes Stocks rebound on recovery hopes
(about 1 hour later)
US and European stocks have risen, spurred by hopes of an interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve to help calm recent market volatility.US and European stocks have risen, spurred by hopes of an interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve to help calm recent market volatility.
The Dow Jones index closed 1.1% ahead while London's FTSE 100 ended 1.8% up.The Dow Jones index closed 1.1% ahead while London's FTSE 100 ended 1.8% up.
Hopes of a US rate cut came after a US senator said the Fed would use "all available tools" to calm credit fears.Hopes of a US rate cut came after a US senator said the Fed would use "all available tools" to calm credit fears.
Markets were also boosted as the head of the International Monetary Fund said recent turbulence would not have a big effect on global growth.Markets were also boosted as the head of the International Monetary Fund said recent turbulence would not have a big effect on global growth.
Rodrigo Rato said it was possible GDP would be slightly lower as a result of the volatility, "but not in a dramatic way".Rodrigo Rato said it was possible GDP would be slightly lower as a result of the volatility, "but not in a dramatic way".
Merger talkMerger talk
On Wall Street, the tech-based Nasdaq added 1.25% to 2,552.80 while the Dow Jones gained 145.27, or 1.11% to 13,236.13.On Wall Street, the tech-based Nasdaq added 1.25% to 2,552.80 while the Dow Jones gained 145.27, or 1.11% to 13,236.13.
London's leading shares finished 109.9 points ahead at 6,196. France's Cac added 1.8% and Germany's Dax put on 1.1%.London's leading shares finished 109.9 points ahead at 6,196. France's Cac added 1.8% and Germany's Dax put on 1.1%.
It is ironic that the recovery in equity prices actually makes it less likely that the Fed will have to act on its promise [to cut rates if necessary] London CapitalIt is ironic that the recovery in equity prices actually makes it less likely that the Fed will have to act on its promise [to cut rates if necessary] London Capital
Earlier, most Asian markets had closed in the black.Earlier, most Asian markets had closed in the black.
Until the turmoil, mergers and acquisitions had been one of the US market's biggest influences in driving forward.Until the turmoil, mergers and acquisitions had been one of the US market's biggest influences in driving forward.
Analysts said the re-emergence of deal talks had heartened investors, as a Dubai firm said it was investing in casino operator MGM Mirage. Analysts said the re-emergence of deal talks had heartened investors, as state-run Dubai World said it was to pay $5bn (£2.5bn) for a 9.5% share of casino firm MGM Mirage.
Meanwhile shares in commodities exchange Nymex rose 6% on talk of a possible takeover.Meanwhile shares in commodities exchange Nymex rose 6% on talk of a possible takeover.
Recent market turmoil has been prompted by problems in the US mortgage market.Recent market turmoil has been prompted by problems in the US mortgage market.
"It was a broad rally. Stocks got a boost from merger news and expectations the Fed will lower interest rates when it meets in September," said Al Goldman, a chief market strategist at AG Edwards."It was a broad rally. Stocks got a boost from merger news and expectations the Fed will lower interest rates when it meets in September," said Al Goldman, a chief market strategist at AG Edwards.
London research firm Capital Economics agreed that sentiment was continuing to be helped by signals that the Fed was willing to cut US interest rates if necessary.London research firm Capital Economics agreed that sentiment was continuing to be helped by signals that the Fed was willing to cut US interest rates if necessary.
"It is therefore ironic that the recovery in equity prices actually makes it less likely that the Fed will have to act on its promise," it said."It is therefore ironic that the recovery in equity prices actually makes it less likely that the Fed will have to act on its promise," it said.
'Rebound to continue''Rebound to continue'
Many analysts believe that, regardless of intervention by central banks, the worst of the recent volatility is over.Many analysts believe that, regardless of intervention by central banks, the worst of the recent volatility is over.
"Fears about the fallout from the US sub-prime mortgage sector are receding. Last week's drops appear overdone," said Lee Woo-hyun, an analyst at Kyobo Securities."Fears about the fallout from the US sub-prime mortgage sector are receding. Last week's drops appear overdone," said Lee Woo-hyun, an analyst at Kyobo Securities.
"The markets are likely to continue the rebound.""The markets are likely to continue the rebound."
Recent falls in shares worldwide have come in the wake of problems in the US sub-prime mortgage market, the sector that lends to people with poor credit records or who are on lower incomes.Recent falls in shares worldwide have come in the wake of problems in the US sub-prime mortgage market, the sector that lends to people with poor credit records or who are on lower incomes.
A rise in defaults on home loans in the sub-prime market has raised fears that it will become harder for homebuyers and businesses to get loans, which could hamper investment and growth.A rise in defaults on home loans in the sub-prime market has raised fears that it will become harder for homebuyers and businesses to get loans, which could hamper investment and growth.
The stock market falls have led to many investors seeking to put their money into safer financial instruments, such as government bonds.The stock market falls have led to many investors seeking to put their money into safer financial instruments, such as government bonds.
Asian markets reacted well to comments made by US Senate Banking Committee chairman Senator Christopher Dodd after he had met Federal Reserve head Ben Bernanke and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson.Asian markets reacted well to comments made by US Senate Banking Committee chairman Senator Christopher Dodd after he had met Federal Reserve head Ben Bernanke and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson.
Mr Dodd said that Mr Bernanke "intends to utilise all the tools available to him" to try to prevent US housing and credit problems from worsening.Mr Dodd said that Mr Bernanke "intends to utilise all the tools available to him" to try to prevent US housing and credit problems from worsening.
Japanese investors remain wary however ahead of a key Bank of Japan meeting on Thursday, which will decide whether to raise interest rates or not.Japanese investors remain wary however ahead of a key Bank of Japan meeting on Thursday, which will decide whether to raise interest rates or not.