Asian stocks fell on Monday, dragged down by a slide of 3.7 percent in Shanghai following fresh property curbs. Japanese shares, however, briefly touched a fresh four-and-a-half year peak as comments from the government's nominee as the next Bank of Japan governor fueled hopes for aggressive monetary easing.
Asian markets were mixed on Friday, with Japan closing higher and Australia clawing back from session lows, while Chinese shares edged down on news that manufacturing activity in the mainland declined in February.
Asian stocks rallied on Thursday, with Japan's Nikkei leading gains as the Federal Reserve's steadfast support for an ultra-easy monetary policy and a successful bond auction in Italy lifted risk appetite in a volatile week for global markets.
U.S. stock index futures edged higher Wednesday following the durable goods orders report and ahead of Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke's second round of testimony, but ongoing worries over political deadlock in Italy kept a lid on gains.
European shares extended gains in the afternoon session on Wednesday, helped by a successful bond auction in Italy and the U.S. Federal Reserve's defense of its asset purchases on Tuesday.
European shares were flat on Friday as talks over the "fiscal cliff" stalled.
President Barack Obama "essentially fired" Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke in televised remarks this week, former Federal Reserve Governor Laurence Meyer says.
Tuesday, 18 Jun 2013 | 6:00 PM ETHow to approach the Fed's monetary decision, with Mad Money host Jim Cramer.
Tuesday, 18 Jun 2013 | 12:01 PM ETThe Federal Reserve won't change course on quantitative easing this week, Steve Weiss of Short Hills Capital says.