Sterling held steady above 14-month lows against the euro in a quiet holiday session on Friday, but ended 2004 eight percent stronger against the ailing dollar. Sterling has fallen four percent against the high-flying euro

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The euro traded a touch below its recent lifetime records against the dollar and the yen in the last session of the year on Friday as investors bet Europe's single currency will continue to benefit

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China-related consumer and industrial stocks are expected to draw investor interest in 2005 but a weakening US economy could cloud the outlook for the global economy and investment environment, Standard & Poor's said on Friday.

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India's key share index closed above 6,600 for the first time and the rupee scaled a five-year peak on the last day of 2004 on the prospects of strong earnings growth and more money pouring

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US stocks were little changed at midday on Friday, but a rebound in steel shares and end-of-year buying offered some support in thin, pre-holiday trading. Indices all are headed for a positive end to the

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Shares in Singapore and Malaysia ended mixed on Friday, wrapping up a strong 2004, as year-end position squaring and concerns about a devastating tsunami's economic impact on Southeast Asia weighed on investors. Singapore's Strait Times

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Indonesia racked up the best performance among Asian stock markets in 2004 as the region recorded its second consecutive strong year, with only Thailand and China registering losses. The Jakarta stock market rose nearly 45

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Here is how major stock markets outside the United States ended on Friday. EUROPE STOCKS EXCHANGE: European shares chalked up a second year of gains with expectations of a further advance in 2005 as investors

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Britain's FTSE 100 index closed lower in a shortened Friday session, breaking a 7-day winning streak as oils and banks dipped, although traders said slack volumes ahead of the New Year break meant little could

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President George W. Bush assured Canada on Friday of the United States' commitment to reopening the border to cattle shipments, despite the possible discovery of another case of mad cow disease, a Canadian official said

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