Leading ratings agencies have re-affirmed the US' AAA-rating following the last gasp deal to approve an increase in its debt ceiling.
Top managers talk to Kate Hollis, director, fund research at S&P Fund Services, about their outlook for the asset class.
Release of emergency oil reserves has compounded fragility of commodities markets.
The Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke has ramped up pressure on Congress to agree on its debt ceiling level, in light of rating agencies S&P's and Moody's threats to cut the US' triple-A debt rating.
Fund research director Guy Boden has left Standard & Poor's to join Stamford Associates as an institutional analyst.
US markets reversed falls on Monday after a period of consecutive weak sessions fuelled by concerns over the end of quantitative easing.
With 2010 proving a difficult year for equity income, the first quarter of 2011 has provided some hope for the sector, writes Peter Brunt, analyst at S&P Fund Services.
European markets climbed this morning on news IMF head Dominique Strauss-Kahn had resigned following sex crime allegations.