Stocks in Asia settled mostly lower, while European markets are trading broadly higher on strength in energy names and automakers
Stocks in Asia settled mostly lower today, as U.S. oil futures gave back some of
Monday's late gains. Traders are also playing it safe ahead of
Wednesday's interest rate decision from the Federal Reserve. In Japan, early strength in equities evaporated as the yen gained ground, while Seoul-listed securities eked out a win as blue chips advanced. By the close, Japan's Nikkei fell 1.7%, China's Shanghai Composite dropped 0.3%, Hong Kong's Hang Seng lost 0.2%, and South Korea's Kospi ended 0.3% higher.
European markets are firmly higher at midday, with energy stocks on the rebound as Brent crude futures advance. Automakers are also on the upswing, after car registrations in the European Union surged 13.7% in November -- up from October's modest 2.9% gain. At last look, the German DAX has rallied 2.3%, the French CAC 40 is 2% higher, and London's FTSE 100 has tacked on 1.7%.
