S&P 500

Markets dipped into the red this afternoon after a weaker start in the US, as a round of poor corporate updates weighed on investor sentiment, compounding eurozone fears.

Equity markets around the world have struggled to make headway this year, with many major indices giving up gains made early on to leave them standing flat or down for 2012.

SocGen permabear Albert Edwards has said the S&P 500 is in danger of breaching a crucial support level, a move that may coincide with US 10-year treasury yields moving below 1%.

Some 80% of US stocks' excess returns since 1994 have been earned in the 24 hours prior to FOMC statements, according to the New York Federal Reserve.

Stronger than expected employment data could not prevent Wall Street selling off at the open this afternoon.

Market timing is notoriously difficult. Yet investors still attempt it - with consistently poor results.

Global markets bounced back sharply last month, with some of the most heavily sold off equities in Europe up by huge margins.

Markets were unfazed by the hefty fines facing financial institutions and posted gains around the world overnight.

European equities lost ground in afternoon trading ahead of a crucial EU summit, as Spain officially asked its eurozone neighbours for a bailout.

US v EUROPE