How the Dow Jones surged back

The US stock market the Dow Jones hit a record high on Tuesday, erasing losses brought on during the global financial crisis.

The record comes just over a year after the index closed above 13,000 for the first time since 19 May 2008.

Analysts suggest growing investor confidence, fuelled by signs of recovery in the US housing market and growth in the services sector, is the reason for the rally

Stock markets plunged in the wake of a steady stream of financial shocks which eroded trust in the investment climate, starting with the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September 2008.

The market hit a low of 6,547 in March 2009.

Here we chart some of the major events affecting investors' confidence over the past five years.