EUROPE STOCKS EXCHANGE: The benchmark pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index finished slightly firmer as record profits from Swiss bank UBS boosted demand for financial stocks.
Stronger financials helped counter weakness in oil and utility companies after crude prices fell below $60/barrel. Equity markets were awaiting yet another expected rise in US interest rates from the Federal Reserve, and market commentators doubted there would be any surprises.
They also said the lower oil price had gone some way to water down investors' inflation fears. The FTSEurofirst 300 index closed 0.1 percent higher at 1,201.3 points, but Germany's DAX index underperformed on political uncertainty after media reports that a key politician may not join a coalition cabinet.
FRANKFURT STOCKS EXCHANGE: The DAX index ended at 4,922.55 points, down 6.52 or 0.13 percent.
PARIS STOCKS EXCHANGE: The CAC-40 index closed at 4,434.75 points, down 1.7 or 0.04 percent.
ZURICH STOCKS EXCHANGE: The Swiss market index closed at 7,100.63 points, up 63.98 or 0.91 percent.
MILAN STOCKS EXCHANGE: The All Share Mibtel index closed at 25,045 points, down 16 or 0.06 percent.
SYDNEY STOCKS EXCHANGE: Shares rose for a second straight day, led by National Australia Bank and stocks geared to US growth, such as shopping mall owner Westfield. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index rose 15 points, or 0.34 percent, to end at 4,474.7.
JOHANNESBURG STOCKS EXCHANGE: Food and drug company Tiger Brands lifted stocks after an upbeat trading update, while lower gold prices dragged down producers of the precious metal. The All-share index closed at 16,558.07 points, up 124.97 or 0.76 percent.
The All Gold index closed at 2,011.4 points, down 51.78 or 2.51 percent, while the Industrial index closed at 12,150.02 points, up 173.13 or 1.45 percent.
KUALA LUMPUR STOCKS EXCHANGE: Malaysian financial markets were closed on Tuesday for a public holiday. Trading will resume on Wednesday.
MANILA STOCKS EXCHANGE: Financial markets in the Philippines were closed on Tuesday for a public holiday. Trading will resume on Wednesday.