Asian markets were lifted by a report by the Financial Times that European leaders were trying to strengthen the region’s bailout fund. The Nikkei jumped 1.7% to 8722, the Kospi gained .9%, and the ASX 200 rose .7%. The Hang Seng rallied 1.6% while China’s Shanghai Composite rose .3%, snapping a 3-day losing streak.
Meanwhile, European markets posted moderate losses, surrendering earlier gains. The DAX fell .6%, the FTSE slipped .4%, and the CAC40 eased .1%. S&P has threatened to cut the credit rating on the ESFS bailout fund, and the threat may help force European leaders to agree to a deal at Friday’s summit.
US stocks closed mostly higher. The Dow gained 46 points to 12196, the S&P 500 rose .2%, while the Nasdaq ended flat.
Stocks Rally on IMF Loan Rumor
Rumors circulated that the G20 is considering a $600 billion loan to the IMF to help Europe, but the IMF denied the claim.
Currencies
The Dollar traded mixed as the market prepared for the upcoming EU summit. The Pound rallied .7% to 1.5707, and the Australian Dollar gained .4% to 1.0286. The Euro, Canadian Dollar and Yen all closed little changed. The Swiss Franc slipped .2% to 1.0827.
Economic Outlook
Consumer credit increased to $2.457 trillion, slightly more than expected. Weekly mortgage applications also increased, thanks to a recovering economy and low interest rates.