Commodities

World stock markets were uneven Friday and Wall Street futures slid ahead of quarterly growth figures that will show whether weakness in China, Japan and Europe has hit the U.S. economy.

Asian stocks zoomed higher Friday, boosted by the European Central Bank's stimulus announcement, a long awaited move that also set off gains in Europe and on Wall Street.

Most Asian stock markets rose Wednesday as investors anticipated European policymakers would soon unleash more stimulus while Chinese shares extended their rebound following a steep plunge at the start of the week.

Asian stock markets meandered Thursday ahead of a well telegraphed announcement later in the day of additional European Central Bank stimulus.

Chinese shares plunged 6.3 percent Monday after the country's securities regulator imposed margin trading curbs on several major brokerages, a possible sign that authorities are trying to rein in the market's big gains.

Global stock markets drifted Tuesday as oil extended its slide, falling below $45 a barrel, while better-than-expected Chinese trade figures countered recent gloom over the slowdown in the world's No.

Asian shares meandered Wednesday following a volatile session on Wall Street as investors remained edgy over the slump in oil and metal prices.

European stock markets were higher Monday while Asian markets fell as investors digested another slide in the price of oil and strong hiring in the U.S.

Asian stock markets mostly rose Thursday, boosted by positive economic news from the U.S. and stabilization in oil prices after sharp falls.

Global stocks were mostly higher Monday after a report that China will change banking rules in an apparent effort to boost lending and economic growth, while oil prices rebounded.

Major Asian stock markets fell Tuesday while Europe gained after Wall Street closed at record highs ahead of the Christmas trading break.

President Barack Obama's announcement this week to normalize diplomatic relations with Cuba and ease some economic restrictions has been closely followed in Kansas, as the move could open up a major market for winter wheat producers.

Chinese stocks plunged Tuesday in a break from a months-long boom and other Asian markets were lower on concern about feeble Chinese trade and Japan's recession.

Many HealthCare.gov customers will face higher costs next year, the Obama administration acknowledged Thursday in a report that shows average premiums rising modestly.

European stocks were little changed Thursday ahead of an ECB policy meeting while Asian markets rose, led by Shanghai and Tokyo, as investors bet on more stimulus in China and a victory for Japan's pro-business ruling party in elections this month.

Asian stocks rose Monday after China's surprise interest rate cut as investors looked ahead to European inflation data due out this week and OPEC meeting to discuss oil production levels.

Shares in Tokyo rose Tuesday on expectations the Japanese government will respond to a recession by postponing a sales tax hike and launching new stimulus.

As the federal government and states launch a second round of enrollment under the health care law, consumers should be aware of what's covered and what's not when buying health coverage through insurance marketplaces.

The pitch to investors described a company on the verge of spectacular success: a Chinese firm making sophisticated, high-end chemicals used to fight fires, stain-proof fabrics and toughen touchscreens.

Chinese stocks jumped Wednesday after Hong Kong scrapped a daily limit on how much yuan residents can buy ahead of the launch of cross border share trading next week that widens access for foreign investors.