The FTSE 100 ( ^FTSE) and European stocks were muted on Thursday as consumer confidence in the British economy tumbled to a new low amid recession fears.

Wall Street rally holds strong as S&P 500 beats December record high - New York’s S&P 500 index moved about 0.8% higher to surpass last month’s intra-day record high.

U.S. stocks are drifting near a record as Wall Street’s recent rally loses some momentum. The S&P 500 slipped 0.1% in early trading Thursday, a day after after pulling to the edge of its all-time high set in early December.

The UK’s unemployment rate rose to 4.4% in the three months to November, up from 4.3% previously and the highest level since May. Average earnings including bonuses increased 5.6% on an annual basis in the quarter to November,

The FTSE 100 index is seen moving closer to a record high after back-to-back sessions in which London’s top flight has risen 1%. Futures trading points to a rise of about 18 points to 8410, not far from May’s intraday high of 8474 and the closing peak of 8445.

U.S. stocks are recoiling on worries that good news on the job market may prove to be bad for Wall Street by keeping inflation and interest rates high.

The yield on 10-year UK gilts rose by three basis points to 4.82%, having this week hit their highest level since 2008.

U.S. markets are poised to open with gains Wednesday on a sustained strong showing from some big corporations during earnings season and an announcement from President Donald Trump on a $500

European stock markets rallied and Chinese indices slid Wednesday in reaction to US President Donald Trump's policy plans that are starting to impact the global economy.

Netflix, Oracle and other technology stocks are lifting U.S. indexes Wednesday as their profits pile higher and excitement builds around the moneymaking prospects of artificial intelligence.The S&P 500 was up 0.

Katie Potts (pictured) has led Herald Investment Trust since its inception 30 years ago and has been hailed for her backing of a host of successful British firms.

Goldman Sachs is tapping several executives to lead its prized Wall Street businesses, it said on Tuesday, as part of a management reshuffle less than a week after reporting its biggest quarterly profit in more than three years.