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Market overview: Shares down as Greek bond yields move higher
1630:Close Stocks ended the day sharply lower after Greek bond yields turned higher, ending the day up by 63 basis points at 11. 69%. Anglo American was the biggest faller on the last day of the first quarter, alongside shares of British American Tobacco and Imperial Tobacco. The latter came off on fears the US FTC would block a merger between US companies Reynolds American and Lorillard – although some analysts believe those worries may be somewhat exaggerated.
Iraqi forces reclaim Tikrit government HQ from Islamic State
Iraqi security forces have recaptured the city of Tikrit, according to Iraqi state media, representing the largest military move against Islamic State (IS) since territories in the country were seized last summer.
'Strong' case for June rate hike, says Fed's Lacker
The president of the Richmond Federal Reserve, Jeffrey Lacker, said there was a “strong” case for the Fed to raise interest rates as early as June.
Bank of Ireland shares drop 9% after Fairfax halves its stake
Shares in Bank of Ireland dropped 9% on Tuesday after Canada’s Fairfax Financial Holdings sold half of its 5. 8% stake in the Irish lender, say press reports.
Fitch Ratings reaffirms China’s long-term sovereign debt rating
Ratings agency Fitch has reaffirmed the People’s Republic of China’s long-term sovereign debt rating at A+, with a stable outlook.
UK current account deficit in 2014 highest since 1948
The UK’s deficit in current transaction with the rest of the world shrank in the final stretch of 2014, albeit by less than forecast.
Eurozone core consumer prices miss forecasts in March
Core consumer prices in the single currency area rose by less than expected in February.
A suprise upward revision for UK growth in the fourth quarter of 2014
Economic growth in the UK for the fourth quarter of 2014 was revised higher on Tuesday, indicating the country’s prospects at the tail-end of last year were better than previously thought.
FTC recommends lawsuit to block $27bn merger Reynolds American and Lorillard
The Federal Trade Commission has recommended a lawsuit to prevent a proposed $27bn merger between tobacco giants Reynolds American and Lorillard.
Russia and China break ranks, disagree on Iran sanctions, report claims
The Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China disagree on the sanctions being imposed on the Islamic Republic of Iran, according to Interfax, citing media sources.
UK consumer confidence jumped in March, GfK says
UK consumers’ spirits soared in February on the back of improved perceptions of the economy’s recent performance, the results of a widely followed survey revealed.
German CPI climbs to 0.3% in March
The German consumer price index rose 0. 2% year-on-year in March to 0. 3%, in line with consensus estimates.
Live: Germanwings Airbus crash updates
A Germanwings Airbus A320 en route to Dusseldorf from Barcelona has crashed in the French Alps near Digne on Tuesday morning.
Germanwings copilot said to have caused crash
Brice Robin, Marseille's public prosecutor who is in charge of the investigation into the Germanwings A320 crash in the French Alps on Tuesday, confirmed that the commander exited the cockpit in order to go to the bathroom some minutes before the catastrophe occurred.
Retail sales rise by less than expected, CBI distributive trades survey shows
Retail sales volumes fell short of market expectations, according to the results of March's monthly distributive trades survey from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).
Speculation surfaces Saudi Arabia might deploy ground forces in Yemen
Following Saudi Arabia’s use overnight of airstrikes against Houthi rebels in neighbouring Yemen a source from the Middle Eastern Kingdom has reportedly told Reuters that a ground offensive may be now be necessary.
Kraft and Heinz agree megamerger backed by Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital
Food giants Kraft and Heinz have agreed a megamerger to form the publicly listed Kraft Heinz Company, which will be the fifth largest food and beverage company in the world.
US consumer prices rise in February for first time in four months
US consumer prices rebounded in February, as gasoline price climbed for the first time in June, the Labor Department said.
UK CPI rises by 0.3% in February, remains unchanged year-on-year
Inflation in the UK fell to zero in February, as lower food prices and computer goods left consumer prices unchanged from the previous year for the first time since record began.
Oil drops on weak Chinese manufacturing PMI data
Oil benchmarks slid in early Asian trading on Tuesday following weak manufacturing data from China.