Asian markets rallied, encouraged by a strong rally in Western shares on Monday. The Nikkei soared 2.3% to 8488, the Kospi advanced 2.3%, and the ASX gained 1.1%. Both the Hang Seg and the Shanghai Composite rose 1.2%.
In Europe, markets rose moderately, lifted by a jump in consumer confidence in the US. The DAX gained 1% to 5800, while the CAC40 and FTSE closed up .5%. Policymakers approved a $10.7 billion bailout payment to Greece in an effort to slow the spiraling debt crisis.
Back in the US, the major indexes closed mixed, as the Nasdaq skidded .5%, while the Dow gained 33 points to 11556 and the S&P 500 rose .2%.
Nasdaq Closes Down .5% Continuing the Recent Slide
American Airlines parent, AMR, filed for bankruptcy, sending shares plunging 84% to .26. The company cited high labor costs and rising fuel prices as causes for the company’s cash shortage.
Currencies
The Australian Dollar soared for a second day, jumping 1.2% to 1.0026 as investors slowly recovered their risk appetite. The Pound gained .7% to 1.5609, and the Euro inched up .1% to 1.3328. The Canadian Dollar rose .4% to 1.0302, and the Swiss Franc settled up .3% at 1.0872.
Economic Outlook
Tuesday’s economic data was a mixed bag. Consumer confidence soared to 56 from 40.9, blowing past analyst forecasts. The Case-Shiller home price index dropped 3.6%, more than expected, but the FHFA house price index rose .9%, painting a mixed picture of the housing market.