Currencies

Japan's Nikkei retreated from the highest level in 15 years on Friday while other Asian markets advanced as low Chinese inflation added to expectations Beijing will launch new stimulus.

Shares rose Thursday as a rebound in oil prices boosted energy companies and strong auto data brightened sentiment in Europe.

If you wanted evidence that the economy and the stock market are two different things, look no further than Europe.

Americans hunting for a bargain on a new Beemer, bottle of Chateau Margaux or Hermes handbag thanks to the sliding euro should put away their gold cards.

World stock markets drifted Wednesday as investor sentiment was kept in check by the prospect of higher U.S. interest rates following improved economic data as well as the lingering fears about China's weakening growth.

U.S. stock indexes closed with slight losses Monday following a strong performance last week.

Global stocks were mostly higher Thursday, but Tokyo's market slumped over a U.S. Fed statement overnight that reversed the recent trend for a strong dollar, while other markets were cheered by a surge on Wall Street that followed.

Asian stocks were mostly higher Thursday on upbeat corporate earnings and rising Chinese factory output after the chairwoman of the U.S. Federal Reserve said it will be patient about increasing interest rates.

A 30 percent swing in a blink of an eye is not uncommon in the stock market.

A closely monitored survey shows the eurozone economy ended 2014 on a tepid note, raising concerns that the region may slip back into recession this year.

Asian stock markets started 2015 on a positive note Friday as investors waited for cues from new economic data and central bank meetings in coming weeks.

Asian markets were mostly higher Monday after the Fed's pledge not to rush to raise interest rates prompted investors to add risky assets ahead of the year-end holiday.

Russia's suddenly escalating financial crisis risks spilling beyond its borders and endangering parts of the global economy.

Brazil's stock exchange is down, and its currency has fallen against the dollar in the first hours of trading following the country's volatile presidential race in which President Dilma Rousseff won re-election over her centrist, pro-business rival Aecio Neves.

Asian stock markets rose Monday, lifted by another record high on Wall Street and expectations of stimulus in China after its manufacturing growth slowed.

World shares were rattled Thursday by reports the European Union is weighing stiffer financial sanctions against Russia.

The euro has fallen to its lowest level against the dollar this year amid heightened tensions surrounding developments in Ukraine following the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17.

Asian stock markets fell Friday, unnerved by a ratcheting up of global political tensions after a Malaysian jetliner was shot down over Ukraine and Israel launched a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Inflation in the U.K. increased unexpectedly in June, raising expectations that the Bank of England may start raising interest rates soon, possibly by the end of this year.

Asian stocks rebounded Monday from jitters about a struggling Portuguese bank as investors looked ahead to a busy week of data releases in the U.S., China and Europe.