S&P 500

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

The Federal Reserve may have held back from unleashing a third round of quantitative easing as a joint central bank effort from around the globe may be around the corner, according to North Investment Partners' John Husselbee.

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.