World stock markets ended mixed Monday as investors started the first full trading week of the new year relieved that 2008 is behind them but

LONDON: World stock markets were mixed yesterday, with moderate gains in Europe contrasting with falls in the US as investors focused on President-elect Barack Obama’s economic stimulus plans.

European stock markets fell modestly Monday ahead of an expected drop on Wall Street.

HONG KONG - Asian stock markets rose strongly Monday, with benchmarks in Hong Kong and Shanghai gaining more than three per cent, as Wall Street's rally and government stimulus plans buoyed investor hopes for 2009. European markets also opened higher.

Asian stock markets rose strongly today, with benchmarks in Hong Kong and Shanghai gaining more than 3 percent, as Wall Street’s rally and government stimulus plans buoyed investor hopes for 2009.

HONG KONG - Asian stock markets rose strongly Monday, with benchmarks in Hong Kong and Shanghai gaining more than three per cent, as Wall Street's

Asian stock markets have risen in the first week since the new year break with the benchmark indices in Tokyo and Shanghai gaining more than 2 percent.

World stock markets were mixed Monday as investors started the first full trading week of the New Year, relieved that 2008 is behind them but fully aware that the economic picture around the world is grim and will likely remain so for quite some time.

U.S. and European stock markets fell Monday despite an earlier rally in Asia as traders took profits on gains built up over the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

European stock markets fell modestly Monday ahead of an expected drop on Wall Street as traders took profits on gains built up over the Christmas and New Year's holidays.