Global markets were broadly higher Wednesday after major companies reported strong earnings for the third quarter, soothing fears that rising interest rates may deter corporate investment.
KEEPING SCORE: In Europe, Britain’s FTSE 100 rebounded 1.5 percent to 7,138. Germany’s DAX rose 1.2 percent to 11,421 and France’s CAC 40 rallied 2.1 percent to 5,083. Wall Street was set for early gains. Dow futures added 0.7 percent and S&P 500 futures rose 0.8 percent higher.
ASIA’S DAY: Japan’s Nikkei 225 index jumped 2.2 percent to 21,920.46 and the Shanghai Composite index added 1.4 percent to 2,602.78. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 1.6 percent to 24,979.69. The Kospi in South Korea gained 0.7 percent to 2,029.69. Australia’s S&P-ASX 200 reversed early losses, finishing the day 0.4 percent higher at 5,830.30. Shares were higher in Taiwan and throughout Southeast Asia.
