US stocks inched higher on Monday as the Standard & Poor's 500 index steadied following back-to-back losses over the last two weeks.

Asian markets edged higher in early trading on lingering hopes that the European Central Bank might buy bonds to help struggling European economies, and rumours of fresh stimulus measures from China.

Asian stock markets rose today as investors waded back into riskier assets amid hopes that central banks in the US and elsewhere were gearing up for action to help their beleaguered economies.

Asian stock markets headed lower today, dented by intensifying worries over Greece’s ability to avoid a massive debt default and a credit downgrade slapped on Italy.

London shares are sparking ahead in early trading, staging a comeback from yesterday's massive losses as technology and telecoms stocks shoot ahead.