Asian markets mostly climbed on Wednesday, with hopes rising for a new round of stimulus from the US and European central banks, but profit-taking reversed earlier gains in Hong Kong.

Asian markets rebounded strongly on Monday on better-than-expected US jobs data while traders took a more positive view of the European Central Bank's position on the eurozone debt crisis.

US stocks surged Friday, boosted by the Labor Department's July labor report showing stronger-than-expected jobs growth and a slight increase in services sector activity.

US stocks rose Monday as Wall Street hoped for US Federal Reserve and European Central Bank stimulus action this week and awaited another report on the US jobs market.

Asian markets rallied Friday and the euro held on to strong gains from New York after the European Central Bank chief said it would do "whatever it takes" to save the under-pressure single currency.

US stocks shot higher Thursday, buoyed by a promise from European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi to do all in the central bank's mandate to save the eurozone from a raging sovereign debt crisis.

US energy giant ExxonMobil posted strong profit gains for the second quarter Thursday, boosted by a one-time gain and drops in capital and exploration spending and divestments.

The US stock market popped higher at the open Thursday, supported by a promise from European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi to "do whatever it takes to preserve the euro."

US stocks fell Tuesday on mixed corporate earnings reports and as eurozone sovereign debt worries continued to weigh on sentiment, overshadowing upbeat Chinese manufacturing numbers.

US stocks wobbled lower Tuesday on mixed corporate earnings reports and as eurozone sovereign debt worries continued to weigh on sentiment, overshadowing upbeat Chinese manufacturing numbers.

US stocks dived Monday, joining a global sell-off on concerns that Spain will need a bailout after its borrowing costs hit record highs and that Greece will be forced to exit the eurozone.

Struggling Spain pushed European stocks and the euro sharply lower Friday as investors were spooked by the country's deteriorating outlook, largely discounting a Spanish bank rescue accord.

US stocks notched gains for a third straight day Thursday as investors looked past disappointing economic data to a batch of positive corporate earnings reports.

European stock markets closed higher Thursday, extending gains as positive US corporate results and hopes of fresh stimulus measures offset another batch of disappointing US jobs figures.

European stock markets were higher Thursday, extending gains as positive US corporate results and hopes of fresh stimulus measures offset another batch of disappointing US jobs figures.

European stock markets closed sharply higher Wednesday, overcoming a bout of nerves as investors waited to hear more testimony on the US economy from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke.

European stock markets were firmer on Wednesday as investors waited to hear more testimony on the US economy from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke.

US stocks closed lower Monday after an unexpected fall in retail sales in June, the third consecutive drop that fueled concerns about the strength of consumer spending, a key driver of the economy.

Asian shares edged higher Monday on the back of a strong Wall Street rally, but Chinese stocks plunged to a new three-year low after growth in the world's second-largest economy slowed.

US stocks dropped Monday after the government reported an unexpected fall in retail sales in June, raising concerns about a key driver of economic growth.