S&P 500

European markets are in retreat this morning on fresh fears for global growth sparked by a gloomy outlook from the US Federal Reserve.

CONTRARIAN INVESTOR

U.S.

The FTSE 100 has opened flat following yesterday's climb as markets await European bank stress tests results.

The FTSE 100 has followed the lead of the US and opened lower this morning, as investors weigh up a gloomy economic update from Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke.

Asian markets were in decline today following the sharp 3% fall for US indices on Friday.

SPECIALIST MARKETS

Miners and banks are driving the FTSE upwards this morning, as London's leading shares continue to rebound on the back of Wall Street's stellar showing yesterday.

Updated 14.30 The FTSE has staged triple-digit gains in afternoon trading as banks lead the upward surge, buoyed by the Bank of England's decision to keep rates on hold at 0.5%.

The FTSE hit a new intra-day low for 2010 in early trading on Thursday following murmurs ratings agency Moody's may downgrade the triple-A sovereign ratings on Spain.