Markets storm ahead on Spanish debt auction and US earnings

Global markets were higher across the board today with gains in Europe followed by a strong start on Wall Street.

A better than expected short-term Spanish debt auction coupled with a strong round of earnings reports from the US proved supportive of shares. The Dow was trading 1.21% higher at 13,078, while the S&P 500 climbed 1.13% to 1,385 this afternoon. In Europe, the EuroStoxx 50 was more than 2% higher at 2,348, while the French Cac was also up close to 2%. In London, the FTSE 100 had jumped 1.43% to 5,747 by 4pm, boosted by the performance of financials. Stocks in the sector were performing strongly after yesterday's sell-off. Barclays, Schroders, RBS, Standard Chartered, Lloyds and Aviv...