U.S. banks were closed on Monday in observance of President's Day.
Euro area finance ministers met in Brussels on Monday to discuss the second bailout package for Greece.
In an attempt to decrease cumbersome public debt which has reached incredible proportions, Japanese government intends to hike current sales tax twofold within the next four years.
Swiss stocks gained, led by rallies in Holcim Ltd and Credit Suisse Group AG, amid optimism that Greece will receive a second bailout.
Retail sales continued their climb for the second month in a row, reaching +0.9% last month, National Statistics reported on Friday. Analysts had expected a 0.3% drop, so investors were positively surprised after the release of retail sales data [including fuel]. The increase was led by sports equipment and related goods, as the ‘other goods' category skyrocketed by 5.9% last
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) climbed 0.2% in January slightly below analyst median forecasts of a 0.3% advance, said the Department of Labor on Friday. On yearly basis CPI added 2.9%. Core consumer price index which excludes volatile energy and food costs also ascended 0.2%, matching earlier expectations.
The Euro rose against the US dollar and the Yen on Friday on hopes Greece was nearing a deal to secure a new rescue package despite rising worries about the ability of Greek leaders to rule the debt crisis.
Japanese stocks declined slightly on Thursday after a financial aid for Greece was postponed. Losses were limited as weak Yen boosted outlook for exporters.
Swiss stocks rose on Thursday after a report showed U.S. unemployment claims declined and Nestle SA, the world's biggest food company, climbed on better than expected sales growth.
U.K. consumer confidence rose in January as consumers became more optimistic on the outlook of the country's economy, estimated the Nationwide Building Society. An index of sentiment rose to 47 from 38 in December.
The number of Americans claiming for unemployment benefits tumbled to 348 thousand in the week ended February 11 from 361 thousand the week before, said the Department of Labor on Thursday.
Greek government officials said bailout talks are in progress and that the country is willing accept more supervision, but rejected rumours that the bailout would be postponed until after April elections.
Swiss stocks fell on Monday after S&P cut ratings on six European countries and a report showed U.S. retail sales increased less than expected.
Inflation in the U.K. declined sharply in January. The consumer price index fell to 3.6 percent in January from 4.2 percent in December, said the Office for National Statistics.
U.S. retail sales grew less than expected January as vehicle purchases tumbled. Total retail sales rose 0.4 per cent the previous month from December, when sales stagnated, said the Census Bureau on Tuesday.
An index of German investor confidence rose to 5.4 in February from -21.6 in January, said the ZEW Centre for European Economic Research on Tuesday. ZEW sentiment is based on a survey conducted among 350 German investors and analysts, who are asked to rate the six-month economic outlook.
Japan's economy contracted between October and December as Thai floods and strong yen weighed on exporters. The gross domestic product fell 0.6 per cent, compared to the previous three months, said the Cabinet Office on Monday.
Swiss stocks rose on Monday after Greece approved an austerity plan in exchange for a second European bailout.
The Confederation of British Industry said the nation will avoid a technical recession in 2012 without additional Bank of England stimulus.
U.S. stocks rose on Monday after Greek lawmakers turned austerity plan into law to secure rescue funds from the International Monetary Fund and Europe.
Germany and the European Commission welcomed Greek approval of additional austerity measures required to secure a 130 billion euro bailout from international lenders.
The Bank of Japan February 14 is forecast to maintain the benchmark rate at near zero and keep its asset purchasing program at 55 trillion yen amid signs the global economy including the U.S. is picking up.
Swiss month-on-month inflation fell in January, said the Federal Statistical Office on Friday. Prices declined 0.4 per cent, after dropping 0.2 per cent in December.
U.K. output prices rose more than forecast in January, led by higher alcohol, petroleum products and clothing costs. The price of goods rose 0.5 per cent from December, when it declined 0.2 per cent, said the Office for National Statistics on Friday.