International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde warned on Monday that the global economy could slide into a "1930s moment" if Europe does not solve its fiscal problems, and said Europe's largest economy must contribute more money to avert financial collapse.
Swiss stocks closed slightly higher on Monday. The Swiss blue-chip index SMI, a measure of the largest and most actively traded companies, gained 0.08%, or 5.00 points, to 6,127.67. The broader Swiss Performance Index rose 0.17%, or 9.15 points, to 5,536.79.
U.K. stocks rose on Monday for the fifth time in six days led by Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc and Falkland Islands explorer Rockhopper Exploration Plc.
U.S. stocks closed mixed on Monday as investors debated whether a three-week rally in equities was warranted. The S&P 500 added 0.05%, or 0.62 points, to 1,316.00. However, The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.09%, or 11.66 points, to 12,708.80.
Japanese stocks rose for a fourth consecutive day as French and Spanish borrowing costs decreased and U.S. unemployment claims fell to four-year low.
Swiss stocks dropped snapping four-day gains on Friday. The Swiss blue-chip index SMI, a measure of the largest and most actively traded companies, shed 1.16%, or 71.78 points, to 6,122.67. The broader Swiss Performance Index declined 1.09%, or 60.71 points, to 5,527.64.
U.K. retail sales rose in December as retailers offered Christmas discounts to lure shoppers. The volume of retail sales increased 0.6 per cent from November and 2.6 per cent, compared to the same period last year, said the Office for National Statistics on Friday.
Sales of existing U.S. homes rose for a third consecutive month in December, a sign the housing market is gaining momentum. Purchases grew 5 per cent to a 4.61 million annual rate, said the National Association of Realtors on Friday.
The euro zone's debt crisis will remain unresolved, even if Greece defaults in the forthcoming months, believes Marc Ostwald, senior strategist at Monument Securities.
Japanese stocks closed higher on Thursday after the International Monetary Fund said it aims to extend lending facilities by $500 billion. The Nikkei 225 rose 1.04%, or 89.10 points, to 8,639.68, while the broader Topix gained 0.78%, or 5.70, to 740.68.
Swiss stocks edged higher for a fourth consecutive day to their highest level in more than six months on Thursday after solid bond auctions conducted by France and Spain.
U.K. consumer confidence slid in December as consumers became less optimistic on the outlook of the country's economy, estimated the Nationwide Building Society. An index of sentiment decreased to 38 from 40 in November.
The number of Americans claiming for unemployment benefits dropped by 50,000 to 352,000 in the week ended January 14, the lowest level in nearly four years, said the Department of Labor on Thursday.
France and Spain, both downgraded by Standard & Poor's last week, paid lower borrowing costs on Thursday, compared to their previous auctions, a sign the ECB's refinancing operation alleviated market concern over the Europe's debt crisis.
Japanese stocks gained on Wednesday, led by oil companies and brokerages. The Nikkei 225 advanced 0.99%, or 84.18 points, to 8,550.58, while the broader Topix edged higher 0.47%, or 3.45, to 734.98.
Homebuilder sentiment increased for a fourth consecutive month in January, said the National Association of Home Builders on Wednesday. The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market index rose to 25 from 21 in December. Reading above 50 indicates negative outlook.
Swiss stocks edged higher for a third consecutive day to their highest level in six months on Wednesday as the International Monetary Fund announced its aim to boost lending resources by additional 500 billion dollars.
The number of people claiming unemployment benefits rose by 1.2 thousand to 1.6 million in December and the unemployment rate increased to 8.4 per cent, the highest rate in 16 years, said the Office for National Statistics on Wednesday.
The International Monetary Fund is aiming to increase its lending capacity by 500 billion dollars to protect economies from the escalating euro zone debt crisis.
Japanese stocks rose on Tuesday as investors shrugged off Standard & Poor's downgrade of nine euro zone countries, including France, Italy and Austria.
Swiss stocks advanced for a second day amid speculation that slowing economic growth in China may lead to an easing of monetary policy.
U.K. year on year inflation slowed in December to its weakest pace in six months, easing pressure on consumers. Consumer prices gained an annual 4.2 per cent, said the Office for National Statistics on Tuesday.
New York region's manufacturing sector grew in January at the fastest pace since May 2011, reflecting improving sales, employment and orders.
Eurozone inflation eased more than expected in December, giving the European Central Bank more room to lower borrowing costs as the economy heads toward a recession.