Shares rally on better bank news

Asia markets follow US share drop
Asian markets plummet after New York's main share index slumps to its lowest level in five years, amid recession fears.

Oil prices fall on economy fears
Oil prices fall on more bad economic news and after Opec hinted it would not cut oil production soon.

Struggling pound continues slide
The pound's dismal run continues as fears about the health of the UK economy persist.

OECD projects protracted slowdown
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development forecasts a "protracted slowdown" for leading economies.

Pound falls again against dollar
Sterling's losses mount as the currency hits its lowest in six years against the dollar on fears of a deep recession.