LONDON -- The Dow Jones Industrial Average
Earnings in the second quarter have proved better than expected according to data compiled by Bloomberg, which shows that 71% of the 110 S&P 500
A number of major companies reported before markets opened this morning, with Baker Hughes, Schlumberger, Suntrust Banks and General Electric all reporting earnings that met or exceeded analysts' expectations. The picture was slightly less sunny at Xerox, which met expectations for Q2 but has issued negative guidance for Q3, saying that it expects a 7% fall in earnings per share over the next quarter.
In Europe, the Eurogroup of eurozone finance ministers is due to meet today to formally approve the 100-billion-pound bailout of Spain's indebted banking sector. European stock markets drifted lower this morning, but they remain on track to deliver a seventh consecutive week of gains. The FTSEEurofirst 300 opened this morning at its highest level since April, while the FTSE 100
In London, insurer Resolution proved to be the biggest drag on FTSE 100, losing 9% after it cancelled plans to return cash to shareholders this year. Another big faller was Vodafone, which fell 2% on heavy volumes after it announced a 7.7% fall in reported revenues in the first quarter, driven by weak eurozone trading and foreign exchange costs.
At the end of the morning session, the FTSE 100 was down by 0.6%, Germany's DAX by 0.5%, France's CAC by 0.7%, Italy's FTSE MIB by 2.2%, and Spain's IBEX by 1.9%. Spanish 10-year bond yields climbed above 7% once again this morning, while their Italian equivalents currently yield above 6%, both levels that are considered unsustainable in the longer term. The euro also continued its recent falls, dropping to $1.22 against the dollar.
Finally, billionaire investor Warren Buffett prefers to invest in the U.S., but he recently made a rare overseas purchase, investing more than $1 billion to expand his holding in a leading U.K. blue chip brand. This FTSE 100 company is currently out of favor with investors, but it offers strong expansion potential and a very long history of earnings and dividend growth. You can full details of the deal in this special free report, including the identity of the company and the price Buffett paid for his shares.
Are you looking to profit from this uncertain economy? "10 Steps to Making a Million in the Market" is The Motley Fool's latest report. We urge you to read it today -- your wealth could be transformed. Click here now to request your free, no-obligation copy. The Motley Fool is helping Britain invest. Better.
Further investment opportunities: