The pound and Asian shares jumped on Tuesday after the European Commission agreed to changes in a Brexit deal before a vote in the British parliament on a divorce agreement that has unnerved financial markets over recent months. The pound and Asian shares jumped on Tuesday after the European Commission agreed to changes in a Brexit deal before a vote in the British parliament on a divorce agreement that has unnerved financial markets over recent months. Chinese blue chips were 0.3pc higher in afternoon trade, trimming gains but extending the previous day's rally. Japan's Nikkei stock index closed 1.8pc higher, but Australian shares erased earlier gains to end down 0.1pc. A nearly 7pc gain in Nvidia shares helped to propel the Nasdaq Composite 2.02pc higher.

Source: Irish Independent March 12, 2019 07:52 UTC