Overseas

Domestic troubles continue in Greece with riots ending in three people dead. Portugal issued bonds at greatly inflated spreads and Spain had to issue a statement saying they were not in financial difficulty.

Govt- Backed mortgage firm Freddie Mac in the USA has asked for a further 10.6Bln bailout due to continued losses.

Building Approvals
Residential building approvals jumped 15.3% in March on the back of a 51% rise in 'other' dwellings. Total detached housing approvals lifted by a more moderate 0.7% in the month. Approvals are up 52% over the year . The overall trend is positive but moderating.