Asian stocks slipped on Thursday on weakness in the U.S. and European share markets and caution ahead of an Italian debt sale, though year-end window dressing of portfolios by some traders helped trim losses.
U.S. stocks fell more than 1 percent on Wednesday after a hefty year-end rally and the S&P 500 erased gains for the year on renewed concerns about the euro zone's financial health.
The euro weakened about 1 percent against the dollar and the yen on Wednesday, one day before an important auction of long-dated Italian debt, while U.S. stocks slid more than 1 percent on concerns about the economy in early 2012.
U.S. stocks fell 1 percent on Wednesday as renewed concerns about the euro zones prompted investors to sell equities after last week's hefty year-end rally, wiping out the S&P 500's gains for the year.
U.S. stocks fell 1 percent on Wednesday as renewed concerns about the euro zones prompted investors to sell equities after last week's hefty year-end rally, wiping out the S&P 500's gains for the year.
The euro fell to its lowest level against the dollar in nearly a year on Wednesday, one day before an important auction of long-dated Italian debt, while U.S. stocks slid about 1 percent on concerns about the economy in early 2012.
Stocks fell on Wednesday after a hefty year-end rally and the S&P 500 erased gains for the year as investors shifted focus to what is expected to be a difficult start to 2012.
Stocks fell on Wednesday as thin trading volumes discouraged investors from resuming last week's rally while oil prices eased after Iran's threat to close the Gulf was written off as rhetoric.
Stocks fell on Wednesday as thin trading volumes discouraged investors from resuming last week's rally while oil prices eased after Iran's threat to close the Gulf was written off as rhetoric.
Stocks fell on Wednesday in another low-volume session as investors stepped back after a string of gains and waited for the start of 2012 to place any large bets.
Stock index futures pointed to a slightly higher open on Wednesday in what looks like another low-volume session, with investors waiting for the start of 2012 before placing any large bets.
Stock index futures edged higher on Wednesday in what looks to be another low-volume session, with investors waiting for the start of 2012 before betting on risky assets.
Stock index futures edged higher on Wednesday in what looks to be another low-volume session, with investors waiting for the start of 2012 before betting on risky assets.
Stock index futures pointed to a lower open on Wall Street on Wednesday, with futures for the S&P 500, Dow Jones futures and Nasdaq 100 futures down 0.04 to 0.2 percent at 0901 GMT.
Stocks ended flat on Tuesday after fluctuating between small gains and losses in a light-volume session, as investors took a breather following a 5 percent rally last week.
Stocks rose slightly on Tuesday after strong consumer confidence data, but the gains were seen as transient in a volatile market after a 5 percent rally over the past four trading sessions.
Stocks fluctuated between small gains and losses in a light-volume session on Tuesday, suggesting a 5 percent rally over the past four trading sessions may have largely run its course.
Stocks edged higher in early trading on Tuesday, adding to recent gains, but investors mostly stayed on the sidelines in a session expected to produce light volume.
Stock index futures pointed to a modestly lower open on Tuesday as investors found little reason to continue buying in what was expected to be a light-volume session following recent gains.
Stock index futures were little changed on Tuesday as investors found little reason to make big bets in what was expected to be a light-volume session following the previous week's gains.
stock index futures were lower on Tuesday as investors found little reason to make big bets in what was expected to be a light-volume session following the previous week's gains.
European stocks crept higher on Tuesday, catching the tailwind of a pre-holiday U.S. rally, while the euro was hamstrung by the prospect of a large Italian debt auction later in the week.
Europe faces another year of dismal economic performance in 2012 that will weigh on global growth, but emerging markets and the United States should at least keep the world economy moving in the right direction.
Get ready. The last trading week of the year will be a test for stocks to prove whether they have the strength to carry a rally into next year.
The S&P 500 turned positive for the year and closed out its third week of gains in four on Friday as equities extended their rally after a string of unexpectedly strong economic data.
The S&P 500 turned positive for the year and closed out its third week of gains in four on Friday as equities extended their rally after a string of unexpectedly strong economic data.
Europe faces another year of dismal economic performance in 2012 that will weigh on global growth, but emerging markets and the United States should at least keep the world economy moving in the right direction.
Shares of United Continental Holdings fell about 7 percent on Friday as some analysts cut their fourth-quarter profit estimates, citing weaker-than-expected revenue.
Wall Street extended a year-end rally on Friday as the S&P 500 rose for a fourth day and turned positive for the year after a recent run of better-than-expected economic data.
Stocks edged higher on Friday, with the S&P 500 on track for a fourth straight day of gains as a batch of economic data pointed to an economy that continued to grow at a modest pace.
