A sluggish September has continued for US stocks as investors assessed the outlook for interest rates, the latest sanctions against Russia and volatile energy prices.

A burst of buying in US stocks defied slumps in other markets and offered hope for investors shaken by geopolitical turmoil.

World stock markets perked up today after a weekend meeting of the leaders of France and Germany provided a promise of action on Europe’s debt crisis.

World stocks mostly rose today as investors put aside worries over Europe's debt crisis to await the outcome of a two-day Federal Reserve meeting which many hope will announce measures to boost US growth.

Most Asian stock markets slumped today amid persistent investor fears that Europe will not be able to come up with a plan to prevent Greece from defaulting on its debts.

Asian stock markets fell sharply today amid fresh anxiety over Europe’s debt problems and a potential default by Greece which would wreak havoc on the global economy.

World stock markets lost steam today after Germany’s economic growth came to a near-standstill in the second quarter, adding to fears that the global economy is slowing down.

Asian stock markets rose today as data showed the economy of earthquake-battered Japan shrank less than expected.

OIL reversed direction for the fourth straight trading day on Tuesday and climbed about 2%, as traders faced uncertainty about the direction of the economy and a weaker dollar.

Oil prices eased off two-and-a-half-year highs to below 113 dollars a barrel today after US president Barack Obama announced that al Qaida leader Osama bid Laden had been killed.

Oil prices today slid to 42 US dollars a barrel – the lowest level since January 2005 – after further grim news on the US economy.

Oil prices continued their upward path today as investors digested the implications of the 700bn (€483.5bn) banking sector bail-out.

Crude oil futures briefly sank below the psychologically important US$100 a barrel mark for the first time in five months today, showing that investors believe a worsening global economy will continue to drive down demand for some time in the US and elsewhere.

Oil prices fell today as Hurricane Gustav hit the US coast at a weaker-than-expected strength.

Oil prices have been spiralling due to the “inexorable” rise in global demand rather than because of speculators, British MPs were told today.

Oil prices set a new record above US$147 a barrel today amid fears over growing tension in the Middle East.

Europe’s major stock markets were nursing falls of around 1% today as oil prices hovering near record levels overshadowed trading.

Stock markets were expected to come under more pressure today after oil prices surged to a new record above $145 a barrel.

Saudi Arabia’s king is ready to help restore the soaring oil prices to more “appropriate” levels, UN chief Ban Ki-moon said today.

Oil prices returned above 100 US dollars a barrel today as traders continued to worry about the prospect of a cut in global production.

Oil prices rose above US$97 a barrel today after the US government reported larger-than-expected declines in crude and heating oil stockpiles.

Oil prices soared to new highs above $91(€63.4) a barrel today as fresh supply concerns sent tremors through markets.

Crude oil prices plunged more than 1 dollar a barrel today as tensions eased in the stand-off between Britain and Iran over captive British military personnel.

Suicide bombers who targeted the world’s largest oil processing centre were thwarted by guards who fired on their cars, exploding both vehicles and killing the attackers.

MILITANTS holding nine foreign hostages in Southern Nigeria destroyed an oil pipeline yesterday and blew up a boat in violence that has cut about 20% of crude production in Africa’s oil giant.