Investors who have taken a hammering on US equities – or who have had their local portfolios hit by the knock-on effects of that country’s stockmarket woes – can take some comfort in the conclusion of a Stateside reporting season that went more smoothly than expected.

In the last three weeks, 422 S&P500 companies have announced their results for the third quarter.

Goldman Henry Capital Management analyst Alan Goldman said 59% of these have beaten market estimates, 10% are in-line and 31% delivered results below expectations.