Sceptics abound as Mario Draghi's ECB bond 'bluff' electrifies global markets

The European Central Bank has opened the door to emergency support for the Spanish and Italian bond markets, setting off a blistering rally on bourses across the world.

European banks need $150B in new capital

Europe's big banks will be forced to find €108bn ($150bn) of fresh capital over the next six to nine months under a deal to strengthen the banking system agreed by European Union finance ministers.

European leaders boldly decide to carry on muddling through

A BARGAIN, but not a grand one. Euro-zone leaders surprised many on March 12th by agreeing on the main elements of a deal to salve Europe’s sovereign-debt crisis. With negotiations becoming fractious and markets unnerved by further ratings downgrades on Greek and Spanish debt, there had been fears that a deal might not be reached by a deadline of March 25th, when Europe’s heads of governments conclude their next meeting in Brussels. In the event, a special summit of euro-area leaders hammered the essentials out two weeks ahead of schedule.