S&P 500

Shares on the major US stock markets shed more than 2% overnight as weak manufacturing data from the US, Europe and China fuelled fears of a global slowdown.

The FTSE 100 fell alongside other major markets across Europe today, after the Federal Reserve cut its growth forecast for the US economy.

Spanish 10-year bond yields have dipped back below 7% today, as investors eye an expected stimulus package from the US Federal Reserve, and with sentiment lifted after Greece managed to form a new government.

Wall Street opened higher this afternoon as investors anticipated central bank stimulus measures would be forthcoming when the Federal Reserve's policy meeting concludes on Wednesday.

Banking stocks across Europe were falling this afternoon, with investors fretting over Spain's ability to fund itself after yields spiked above 7% once again.

Max King, portfolio manager in Investec Asset Management's multi-asset team, asks whether the disparity between US and European equity market performance is justified, suggesting now could be the perfect entry point into stocks.

The FTSE 100 and a host of European markets were tumbling today after a warning from Moody's about Spain's credit rating spooked nervous investors.

London's leading share index climbed in early trading after a strong session on Wall Street yesterday.

Asian stocks rose overnight after Australia's central bank cut interest rates to 3.5%, providing a boost for investors.

US GDP growth for the first quarter has been revised down in the second estimate from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).