Barclays profits jump ahead of looming bank tax; French bond yields hit fresh 24-year high – business live
Barclays reported a sharp increase in quarterly profit, boosting its outlook before a new bank levy is introduced. Meanwhile, French government bond yields rose to their highest level in 24 years, widening the risk spread over German Bunds to the widest margin since 2011. The bond market shift coincides with oil prices moving above $111 per barrel.