Rome prosecutors probe 'abnormal' bank market moves - update

(ANSA) - Rome, February 12 - Rome prosecutors said Thursday they had opened an investigation into unusual financial market activity in shares of some 'popolari' banks ahead of an announcement that the government intended to change ownership rules. Market watchdogs are also looking into the activity around cooperative banks affected by the new regulations announced January 20 by Premier Matteo Renzi. Activity in some Italian banks jumped even before rumours hit the media in mid-January about the new rules in the 10 largest popolari.