Asian shares were mostly lower Thursday as Wall Street's tepid performance failed to inspire markets. The Nikkei was down 0.3%
The Greek government's new austerity measures drew a positive response from European credit and currency markets, further allaying fears that Greece might default on its debt obligations.
European stocks rose, boosted by a fresh set of austerity measures from Greece and better-than-expected U.S. private sector employment data. The euro gained against the dollar.
A look at Greece's finances over the years since it adopted the euro shows that Greece was the principal author of its debt problems and that fellow European governments turned a blind eye to its blatant flouting of rules.
The Nikkei rose 0.3% as strength in commodity plays and upbeat economic data helping to lift Australia's benchmark stock index to its highest level in more than five weeks.
Asian shares were mostly higher Wednesday, with commodities plays supporting markets in Australia and Japan. The Nikkei rose 0.1%.
Asian shares traded mostly higher Tuesday, with technology stocks gaining ground around the region, while Hong Kong lost ground after disappointing earnings results from HSBC.
European stocks rose, supported by a surge in mergers and acquisitions news but sterling sank to a ten-month low against the dollar.
Asian stocks were up Monday, with the Nikkei climbing 0.7%, as concern eased over Greece. Copper prices surged after Chile's earthquake.
European stocks posted strong gains, led higher by basic resources as copper prices surged in the wake of Chile's massive earthquake.
A plan led by Germany and France to bail out Greece with aid of as much as $41 billion has begun to take shape, Greek officials and other people familiar with the matter say, but the timing and terms of any rescue remained unclear.
Greece prepared additional austerity measures and its prime minister met with the head of Germany's top bank, as the country raced to soothe international concerns ahead of a crucial bond sale it may hold next week.