Markets fall as EU treaty hopes wane

Markets around the world closed down overnight as further signs European leaders will fail to agree a new treaty emerged.

Shares in Europe, the US, and Asia all declined as investors continued to fear a resolution in Europe may not be achieved. The Dow closed down 0.6% at 11,954 points, while the S&P 500 shed 0.9% to close at 1,225 points. Meanwhile in Europe the German Dax finished down marginally, at 5,774, having shed 0.2%, and the French Cac was off 0.4% at 3,078. In Asia both the Nikkei and the Hang Seng also saw minor losses. A number of European leaders have warned of difficulties pushing a far-reaching economic pact through their national parliaments. While the UK has been left out in th...