NIKKEI 225

European markets took their cues from falling Asian stocks, while Chinese indexes moved into positive territory.

Better than expected trade data from China, a positive close in the U.S. markets Tuesday and an uptick in oil prices made for positive triggers.

The Tokyo stock index on Tuesday made up all of Monday's declines.

The Asian rally -- led by China, where the Shanghai Composite ended the day's trade up 4.3 percent -- pushed global stocks higher Wednesday.

European and Asian stock markets were mixed while U.S. stock futures traded down pointing to a weak opening after a strong performance Monday.

Brushing aside China's slowdown, Asian stocks reported their strongest monthly performance in years in October.

Investors in Asia and Europe exercised caution Tuesday, as uncertainty loomed over the outcome of central bank meetings in the United States and Japan.

The Shanghai Composite Index plummeted over 3 percent in afternoon trade, as profit-taking by traders wiped off early gains.

While Chinese stocks rose on hopes of further stimulus measures, European markets were dragged down by a drop in major energy and mining stocks.

While Chinese markets were shielded from heavy losses by hopes of government stimulus, other markets around the world remained unaffected.

Weak U.S. economic data released Wednesday are seen to have reduced the chances of an imminent rate hike by the Federal Reserve.

European shares fell at the open Wednesday and Asian stocks closed in the red as investors mulled over the likelihood of new stimulus measures in China.

While China reported a sharp decline in September imports, a German survey showed a steep drop in investor confidence in Europe's largest economy.

European stock indexes failed to carry on last week's rally, while U.S. equities traded in a tight range and most Asian markets closed higher.

Across Asia, energy shares closed higher, while in Europe, major indexes were up for the fourth straight session. U.S. stock futures pointed to a positive opening.

Investors awaited Friday's release of a crucial U.S. nonfarm payrolls report, which might provide clues to a potential rate hike by the Federal Reserve later this year.

While data from China showed its factories continued to suffer, markets seemed to be taking heart from the support of central banks worldwide.

Japan's Nikkei 225 index led the market rout in Asia, dropping to an eight-month low and closing down 4.1 percent.

Investors continued to exercise caution ahead of the release of key economic indicators in the U.S. and China.

In China, however, the Shanghai Composite Index fell 1.6 percent, ending a day of volatile trading on Asian bourses.

In Japan, the Nikkei 225 ended the day 2.8 percent in the red, with shares of car manufactures falling steeply as a delayed reaction to the Volkswagen emissions scandal.