US stocks closed decisively higher Tuesday following strong reports on consumer confidence and the housing market.

European stock markets slumped and the euro hit a near two-month dollar low on Tuesday as dealers assessed the fallout of Italy's political impasse after elections in the indebted eurozone country.

London shares closed lower on Tuesday as dealers assessed the fallout of Italy's political impasse after elections in the indebted eurozone country.

Europe's main stock markets closed sharply lower on Tuesday following inconclusive elections in Italy, with Milan's FTSE Mib index plunging 4.89 percent to 16,552 points.

European stock markets slumped and the euro hit a near two-month dollar low on Tuesday as dealers assessed the fallout of Italy's political impasse after elections in the indebted eurozone country.

Asian markets mostly fell on Tuesday, with dealers spooked by an election in Italy that left no clear winner, leading to political uncertainty and fresh fears about eurozone stability.

Italy was at an impasse Tuesday after an election seen as crucial for the eurozone failed to produce a clear winner and provided a shock debut for a populist anti-austerity party, rattling world markets.

Italy headed for gridlock and financial markets tumbled with a stalemate in parliament between right and left after critical elections in which the real winner might be a new protest party calling for a referendum on the euro.

Italy headed for gridlock and financial markets tumbled with a stalemate in parliament between right and left after critical elections in which the real winner might be a new protest party calling for a referendum on the euro.

European stock markets rode an Italian election rollercoaster Monday, rising as exit polls initially tipped a centre-left victory but then dipping as it emerged a coalition may be needed.

Chinese oil giant Sinopec is investing $1.02 billion in a US shale field as it teams up with Chesapeake Energy Corp. in a 50-50 joint venture, the companies said Monday.

London shares closed higher on Monday as the pound plunged against the dollar and euro in the wake of Moody's credit downgrade, making UK shares cheaper for overseas investors.

European stock markets swung sharply higher Monday after exit polls showed Italy's centre-left was poised to win the general election, and traders largely brushed off a credit downgrade for Britain

German stock market operator Deutsche Boerse denied on Monday that it is in merger talks with CME Group in the United States after a rumour sent the company's share price soaring nearly 12 percent.

Shares in German stock market operator Deutsche Boerse soared nearly 12 percent in midday trading on Monday after a report the company is in merger talks with CME Group in the United States.

European stock markets rose solidly on Monday following gains in Asia, as traders partly brushed off a credit downgrade for Britain and awaited the result of elections in indebted eurozone nation Italy.

Europe's main stock markets posted solid gains at the start of trading on Monday, with Frankfurt's DAX 30 jumping 0.91 percent to 7,731.80 points.

China raised government-set fuel prices on Monday for the first time this year to reflect changes in global crude prices, the top economic planning body said.

US equity markets finished sideways for another week as concerns about Washington budget negotiations and the status of the Federal Reserve's stimulus program kept investor enthusiasm at bay.

US stocks closed higher Friday on renewed confidence that the US Federal Reserve stimulus program would continue.