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World markets mixed after lackluster US finish (3/9/2010) Most Asian markets rose slightly Tuesday, but trading was subdued as investors awaited more clues about the health of the world economy following big gains the day before. European shares slipped in early trade. A number of Asian markets fluctuated in line with Wall Street's mixed finish. Oil prices fell to near $81 a barrel, while the dollar weakened against the yen and strengthened against the euro. The region's markets jumped Monday as investors expressed relief a key U.S. job report proved better than expected and eased worries about recovery in the world's largest economy. Growing optimism about Greece's debt troubles also helped confidence. Henry Chan, a fund manager at Baring Asset Management, said the sideways trade Tuesday showed investors were still readjusting their expectations for the economy and government policies as the recovery gathers pace. As trading opened in Europe, Britain's FTSE 100 lost 0.3 percent, France's CAC-40 was down 0.3 percent and Germany's DAX shed 0.1 percent. U.S. futures pointed to a lower open on Wall Street Tuesday. In Asia, Tokyo's Nikkei 225 stock average fell 18.27 points, or 0.2 percent, 10,567.65. Elsewhere, Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 0.1 percent to 21,207.55 and South Korea's main benchmark edged up 0.1 percent to 1,660.83. Oil prices slipped to near $81 a barrel in Asia, losing momentum after a monthlong run-up fueled by growing investor optimism about global economic growth. Benchmark crude for April delivery was down 61 cents to $81.26 a barrel after adding 37 cents overnight. In currencies, the dollar was lower at 89.73 yen from 90.28 yen. The euro weakened to $1.3590 from $1.3631.
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