The main US indices hold higher around.....>

EQUITIES: The main US indices hold higher around 90 minutes from the open but

are trimming gains quickly. Technology and financials shares led the way higher

from the open and all 10 sectors remain (just) in the green - but this strength

is fading quickly.

- The dip lower in risk appetite has been led by European markets, with

peripheral Italian and Spanish bourses re-entering the red just over an hour

away from the close. The EuroStoxx 600 has now erased the day's gains, which

briefly stood as high as 4.1%.

- The VIX index has reversed the entirety of the European morning dip, but

yesterday's highs at 62.12 are still a while off just yet.

- No particular driver for the move, but markets have been edging lower since

CNBC reported that the White House's stimulus package plan will not be

forthcoming today.

- Treasury yields hitting new lows at typing having broken below 0.6%.