Concerns that Greece and other European nations may not be able to repay their debts are focusing investor attention on another big worry: Economies across the Continent may have used complex financial transactions to hide the true size of their debts and deficits.

Asian shares ended higher Monday, with exporters fueling gains in Japan, while resources stocks gave Australia a boost. The Nikkei rose 2.7%.

European stocks edged lower, as worries over the European debt crisis continued to weigh on sentiment.

Stocks in Hong Kong and Japan fell more than 2% Friday as Asian markets reacted to the U.S. Federal Reserve's decision to raise its discount rate..

European stock markets erased early losses to post their fifth consecutive gain, aided by strong results from Nestlé.

Asian shares were mostly lower Friday, while the U.S. dollar rose broadly after the Fed raised the discount rate. The Nikkei was down 1.3%.

Europe's major stock indexes were modestly lower, as a weak session in Asia and a retreat in commodity prices hit sentiment.

Asian shares traded lower Thursday with resources stocks pushing the Australian market down 0.7%, and continued concerns over Europe's debt problems.

European shares were expected to open marginally higher, following a positive close on Wall Street, with firm economic data and the latest earnings releases helping the tone.

Exchange-traded funds, once the province of professional investors, are gaining popularity among individuals, especially those who use discount brokerages.

Bank of America named Paul Donofrio head of global corporate banking business at its Bank of America Merrill Lynch unit.

EU ministers said Greece had to make progress on its budget gap before they'd entertain talk of aid while Greek workers launched strikes and protests against government austerity plans.