Dow Jones

Insurance stocks worldwide took a big hit today in anticipation of future payouts following the huge earthquake and tsunami which hit Japan overnight.

A major earthquake in Japan last night rocked fragile markets already reeling from Moody's downgrade of Spain yesterday, with the FTSE 100 falling further after hitting a five week low.

ETF Securities has listed a global dividend ETF on the London Stock Exchange, providing exposure to 100 companies across 10 sectors and up to 25 countries.

Markets fell across the board at the start of trading today, after Moody's downgraded Spain's government debt from Aa1 to Aa2 with a negative outlook.

The FTSE100 fell in early trading as concerns over EU debt problems offset any reassurance the market might take from easing oil prices.

ETF Securities has listed two global and emerging infrastructure ETFs on the London Stock Exchange.

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett's bullish outlook for the US has boosted markets, pushing the Dow Jones up 96 points and the FTSE back above the 6,000 mark.

Libya unrest has driven Brent crude oil to a 29-month high of $119 per barrel, causing Asian markets to fall overnight and European stocks to slump as investors take profits.

London's leading share index had a sluggish start this morning, while European markets fell on uncertainty over the Middle East and oil supply.

The Dow Jones is trading in the red after lower-than-expected US retail sales figures weighed on investor sentiment.