S&P 500

US markets were treading water this afternoon following a cautiously optimistic speech by US Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke.

Stocks received a lift in afternoon trading as social networking giant Facebook prepares to make what could be one of the largest market debuts in history.

Global equity fund managers have been too hesitant in moving to capture the US equity rally, Artemis Global Select manager Simon Edelsten has said.

As investors start to take on more risk we ask managers for their strategies in this environment.

European stocks advanced this afternoon following the US Federal Reserve's interest rate outlook, with miners driving the FTSE 100 to build on earlier gains.

Shares in Asia climbed overnight despite a stalemate in Europe as talks between Greek bondholders and politicians dragged on.

US stocks on the S&P 500 have made their best start to the year for 25 years, according to data from Bloomberg.

The number of stocks on the US stock market has reached its lowest level since 2009 as companies cut back on share sales and buy back equity at the fastest pace in four years

ON ASIA

The FTSE 100 closed at its highest level for over two months last night as world markets soared on the first day of trading in 2012.