Markets declare Clinton victor of US debate but polls show mixed results

As the dust settles on the first televised US presidential election debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, the markets appear to have declared the Democrat candidate the winner, but some polls show the Republican nominee having won.

After blows were traded on both sides concerning issues from tax returns to allegations of racism, rallies in US equity futures and for the Mexican peso appear to suggest a strong showing for Clinton in the markets.

Losses for US stock index futures were wiped out and hit near session highs towards the end of the 90-minute debate.

From a record low, the peso rebounded as much as 1.75% against the dollar, a sign that markets feel Trump was trumped by his Democrat competitor.

Several polls released in the aftermath of the debate hosted by Lester Holt appear inconclusive at first glance.

A CNN/ORC poll put Clinton at 62% to Trump's 27%, but surveys published by CNBC and TIME magazine show Trump with comfortable leads of 61%/39% and 59%/41%, respectively.

Clinton repeatedly went on the offensive against Trump, mentioning controversial comments made by him towards women and attacking the non-release of his tax returns. She defended herself comfortably against his allegations that she did not have the "stamina" to reside in the oval office.

"As soon as he travels to 112 countries and negotiates a peace deal, a cease fire, a release of dissidents, an opening of new opportunities in nations around the world, or even spends 11 hours testifying in front of a congressional committee, he can talk to me about stamina," she said.

Much of the discussion pre-debate was surrounding the preparations made by each candidate in the run up to the event.

Reports said that the New York business tycoon had done little to prepare, preferring an off-the-cuff approach.

"It's all words, it's all soundbites," claimed Trump at one point. However the former secretary of state appeared to have the appropriate response to the jibe.

"I think Donald just criticised me for preparing for this debate. And yes I did. You know what else I did? I prepared to be president," she responded.

The next debates will take place on 9 October and 19 October, ahead of the election on 8 November, which will likely have a significant impact on the political and economic future of the US.