Markets across Europe recovered from early losses on Thursday despite a new warning from the EU Commission that the eurozone may fall into recession next year.
The S&P 500 has shed more than 2% at the open alongside other US markets as investors panic over the turmoil in Italy and the growing threat of contagion spreading across Europe.
US and Asian markets were mixed overnight as fears Italy could become the next victim of the eurozone crisis grew.
US shares moved higher at opening having seen heavy falls Tuesday, as positive jobs data boosted prices.
Long-dated US treasuries have returned more than the S&P 500 over a 30 year period for the first time since the 19th century.
The Dow Jones and S&P 500 surged yesterday as market sentiment was lifted by US growth almost doubling in Q3.
Markets in Asia and the US soared overnight after leaders in Europe agreed a three-pronged deal to tackle the debt crisis.
Eurozone optimism has buoyed markets this afternoon with almost all major indices in positive territory.
US markets opened lower today as investors remained cautious on tomorrow's European summit aimed at solving the sovereign debt crisis.
The S&P 500 closed up 3.4% overnight, boosting Asian shares and lifting the US index nearly 11% from lows seen last week.