FTSE 100

(Updated) The FTSE 100 was well below 5,100 late morning as investors sold off shares following the Fed's latest move to stimulate the US economy.

London markets made gains this morning despite S&P's move to downgrade Italy's sovereign debt rating from A+ to A, with shares recovering some ground lost on Monday.

US markets fell 2% at open, adding to the grim picture in Europe, as investors continued to fret over the future of Greece.

The FTSE 100 sold off sharply in early trading alongside indices across Europe as fears over a break-up of the region swept across markets once again.

It has been an uncomfortable summer for investors as the credit crisis from 2008 continues to plague markets, this time in the guise of a sovereign debt crisis. But how have markets really coped?

US markets opened lower this afternoon, following falls across Europe today as fears of a Greek default resurfaced once more.

Marlborough's Giles Hargreave has been building up his cash positions as he expects one more major market sell-off, which will send the FTSE 100 down 10% to 4,700.

James Burns, head of the multi-manager desk at Smith & Williamson, reveals which sectors offer the most opportunities.

Major European and US indices have dropped as the ECB revealed a key official was stepping down.

Major US indices are trading 1.5% higher as shares follow UK and European markets upwards.