U.S. equity markets are trading slightly better at the mid-session, but seem to be lacking a catalyst to drive it sharply higher.

An easing of investor risk sentiment is helping to support equity price overnight. Early in the trading session, stock markets followed through to the upside following Friday’s strong finish and talk of a possible resolution of the fiscal problems plaguing the Euro Region.

Today’s U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls Report appears to be taking a backseat to the fear that sovereign debt woes in the Euro Region will escalate.

Fear over concerns about sovereign debt default and a worse than expected U.S. initial claims report helped to push commodity and stock markets lower on Thursday. Risk aversion drove investors toward safer, lower-yielding assets to the benefit of the U.S. Dollar.

Concerns about sovereign debt default and a worse than expected U.S. initial claims report is helping to push commodity and stock markets lower at the mid-session.