Global stock markets put in contrasting performances yesterday as optimism about the outlook for the global economy showed signs of wavering.
A strong report on overall business activity in the US mid-Atlantic region initially boosted appetite for equities, although by midday in New York, the S&P 500 was flat.
But in Europe, the FTSE Eurofirst 300 rose 0.5 per cent to a fresh 11-month high, while most Asian markets enjoyed a strong session. The Nikkei 225 Average rose 1.7 per cent and the Shanghai Composite 2 per cent, with further help coming from the Bank of Japan's upgrade to its economic outlook and bullish remarks by a senior Chinese government economist.