S&P 500

Investors in Warren Buffett's firm Berkshire Hathaway may have been left disappointed with returns over the past three years as the company has underperformed the S&P 500 by more than 25%.

Developed market shares were fleeting between positive and negative territory this afternoon as US jobs data disappointed and investor confidence in the eurozone weakened.

Apple shares leapt as trading began on Wall Street today after it reported yesterday that profits had almost doubled in a single quarter.

ON NORTH AMERICA

US markets gained some ground this afternoon ahead of consumer confidence and home sales data, following a sell-off in Europe yesterday.

European markets were firmer this morning after the results of the much-anticipated Spanish debt auction were annouced.

Global markets were higher across the board today with gains in Europe followed by a strong start on Wall Street.

VOLATILITY

COMMODITIES

Fund managers are snapping up cheap portfolio insurance ahead of an expected market pull-back, after the VIX index hit pre-recession lows in March.