Stocks sink, investors wait for vote in Europe By Roland Jones

Wall Street sank at the start of trading Tuesday as investors waited for the results of a key vote by Slovakia on a plan to expand the euro zone rescue fund.
All the other member states have ratified a plan to increase the size and powers of the European Financial Stability Facility bailout fund. Now all that remains is for Slovakia to have its say on the matter.



Corporate earnings season will be in focus after the close of trading, when quarterly results are expected from Alcoa. The aluminum producer’s report traditionally kicks off reporting season, which this quarter could offer important insights into how corporations are handing the global economic slowdown.

Shares in Europe are lower ahead of the vote in Slovakia, while Asian shares rose. U.S. stocks soared Monday after German and French leaders promised to come up with a plan to tackle the European debt crisis.