Europe's main stock markets have risen amid growing hopes the European Central Bank could unveil a bond-buying program later this week, while investors digested poor manufacturing data.
Australian stocks have opened weaker, as disappointing Chinese economic data and a slew of companies that started trading without a dividend pushed the market lower.
US stock markets got a good bump on Friday from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's much-awaited endorsement of more stimulus action, but still ended lower on a week of lacklustre end-of-summer
US stocks tumbled on Thursday ahead of a much-anticipated speech by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke on Friday and as European woes renewed global growth worries.
The Australian dollar has fallen to its lowest level in more than a month after official figures showed investment in the mining sector is likely to grow by less than expected this year.
Fortescue Metals Group chairman Andrew Forrest has spent nearly $39 million in two days increasing his shareholding in the mining company he founded, as its shares and iron ore prices plunge.
Fund manager Perpetual will cut more jobs next year as it continues with a major restructure that contributed to a 57 per cent drop in its full year profit.
US stocks see-sawed in more light, noncommittal trade on Wednesday to close almost flat for the third straight session, amid fresh data that sent more mixed signals on the economy.
The Australian dollar is flat as markets wait for a key address by the US Federal Reserve chairman that could hint at further moves to stimulate the American economy.
US stocks have finished mixed after economic data gave no clear direction on the economy, and as investors awaited a key speech by Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke on Friday.
Weaker commodity prices have helped the Australian dollar drift to a fresh one month low while traders sit tight ahead of a closely-watched US Federal Reserve summit.
The Australian dollar fell to its lowest level in a month, amid negative sentiment about China's economic outlook and speculation that Australia's mining boom might be waning.
The Australian share market has closed slightly lower as investors wait to see if the United States and China will take further measures to stimulate their economies.
