Hong Kong’s stocks fell for a third day on deepening concerns about the economic fallout from weeks of anti-government demonstrations that show no sign of easing.

A last-minute package of rescue loans that saves Cyprus from a banking collapse and bankruptcy helped push Asian stock markets higher today.

Asian stock markets rose today, registering optimism after negotiations late last week between President Barack Obama and leaders of Congress raised hopes the US would avoid its “fiscal cliff” before the end-of-the-year deadline.

World stock markets were mixed today as enthusiasm for a European plan to rescue Spain's teetering banks turned to scepticism.

World stocks dived today after a failure by Greece’s political leaders to form a coalition government set the stage for new elections next month, keeping Europe’s debt crisis centre stage.