AFP - London shares closed down Wednesday in a volatile session as financial and retail stocks sunk on further evidence of severe economic downturns across the globe.

AFP - Britain and the EU called for strong joint action to hold off the recession threatening leading economies as more grim economic and corporate news battered world stock markets on Tuesday.

AFP - World oil prices eased further below 60 dollars in Asian trade Wednesday after Britain and the EU called for joint action to hold off recession threatening leading economies, analysts said.

AFP - The London stock market gained 0.75 percent to 4,278.38 points when trading opened on Wednesday.

AP - Asian stock markets faltered Wednesday, with Japan's benchmark losing 1.3 percent, as evidence mounted that a worsening global economy has taken a toll on companies. European markets opened higher.

Reuters - European stocks recovered some ground on Wednesday after steep losses in the previous session and the dollar dipped, but oil hovered near 20-month lows on ongoing worries about a slowdown in global demand.