AP - Asian stock markets were mixed in sluggish, year-end trade Wednesday, following a lackluster session on Wall Street as many investors held back after this year's global rally.

AFP - London shares fell on Wednesday in subdued trade before New Year holidays, as investors took profits after striking a 2009 high the previous day.

Reuters - U.S. stock index futures pointed to a lower open on Wall Street on Wednesday, with futures for the S&P 500 down 0.2 percent, Dow Jones futures down 0.1 percent and Nasdaq 100 futures down 0.1 percent at 4.30 a.m. ET.

AP - European stock markets moved higher Tuesday as investors continued to book modest gains amid thin volume on the back of satisfying holiday sales in the U.S. and rising commodity prices.

AFP - European equities rallied on Tuesday, as London and Frankfurt struck 2009 peaks in thin trade, with investors upbeat before new year holidays and after similar highs overnight on Wall Street, analysts said.

Reuters - Stocks barely budged on Tuesday as data showing a rise in consumer confidence was offset by home prices stalling in October.

AP - Stocks fluctuated in a narrow range Tuesday after reports on home prices and consumer confidence came in largely as expected, showing a gradual improvement in the economy.

AP - Better holiday sales and rising commodities prices pushed stocks to their sixth straight gain and new highs for 2009.

AP - Asian stocks markets were narrowly mixed in dwindling holiday trade Tuesday after Wall Street posted muted gains.

Reuters - Australian shares rose on Tuesday, helped by gains in oil and metals and by merger activity, but stock markets elsewhere in Asia lagged as year-end activity dwindled and the dollar's rally ran out of steam.