european stock markets

With investors on a hair-trigger over Japan, American and European stock markets ended sharply lower again.

European stock markets rose Friday despite a drop in Asia as investors recouped some of the previous day's hefty losses ahead of a key speech from European Central Bank president Jean-Claude Trichet.

European stock markets fell modestly Friday and Wall Street headed for a lower opening after strong gains the day before on U.S. data revealing the world's largest economy had broken out of a yearlong slump.

European stock markets trimmed gains Thursday as Wall Street opened lower after disappointing U.S. retail sales data reined in optimism about the speed of recovery in the world's largest economy.

Asian and European stock markets sank Monday, undermined by investor anxiety that company earnings will reflect a weak global economy.

European stock markets were steady Thursday after sizable falls in Asia earlier as investors continued to worry that a global economic recovery later this year — the main driver behind the rally since March — could be choked off at birth by rising interest rates and oil prices.

European stock markets edged higher Thursday after two days of losses as investors positioned themselves for key statements on central bank plans and new jobs data.