The Dow Jones Industrial Average has broken through the 13,000 point barrier for the first time since the financial crisis erupted in 2008.

Evangelos Venizelos says bailout agreement has prevented a “nightmare” scenario unfolding in Greece, as Chancellor George Osborne describes deal as “good for Britain”.

Business Bullet: Central Banks says scope to go lower than 4.25%

European Commission chief hails £108bn Greece bailout, as Chancellor George Osborne says the deal is “good for Britain” and takes “significant step” towards resolving crisis.

Germany and France moved closer to full fiscal union by announcing they will be ‘harmonising’ their corporate tax rates – a move that raises the prospect of an EU-wide enforced tax rate that the UK has heavily opposed.

The European Central Bank’s lending of more than €800bn (£667bn) to eurozone banks has done little to stop them cutting back on lending to businesses, according to Standard & Poor’s.

Pensioners have not been hit as hard as they claim by quantitative easing and should accept that they must bear the burden of the downturn alongside working households, according to the Bank of England’s deputy Governor.

Britain’s business leaders are remarkably confident about the prospects for their companies this year despite fears of a double-dip recession.

George Osborne may be able to afford a tax giveaway of more than £7bn in next month’s Budget and still meet his deficit reduction targets, after January’s public finances came in even better than expected.

The Deputy Prime Minister hopes a £2,000 incentive for companies and charities will encourage more young people into earning or learning.