Britain and Europe
Relatively poor technology, media and telecommunications company earnings along with the sinking Nasdaq and U.S. election uncertainty pressured markets last week. London, Paris and Frankfurt found relief on the Thanksgiving holiday Thursday when U.S. markets were closed.

The FTSE 100, DAX and CAC closed the week on the negative side, even though they managed to recoup some of the heavier losses late in the week. The FTSE fell 112.5 points or 1.75 percent to end at 6327.60. The DAX lost 88.11 points or 1.30 percent to close the week at 6664.18. The CAC barely lost 16.27 points or 0.26 percent to close at 6145.65.

Asia
Asian markets continued to fret over chip supplies and prices. The spot price for the industry standard 64 Megabit dynamic random access memory chip has plunged 63 percent from this year's January 7 peak. Growth is export fed, and any sign of a slowdown in the U.S. or Europe further strains investor nerves.

The Nikkei continued its slide to a 20 month low as Prime Minister Mori clung to power after narrowly surviving Monday's no confidence vote. Political gridlock has diverted attention from the economy's needs. Yet another threatened bankruptcy has emphasized the need for reforms, especially in the beleaguered financial services industry. The Nikkei was down 228.85 points or 1.57 percent to end the holiday shortened week at 14315.35.

Introduction   •   Global Stock Market Indexes   •   Recap of Global Markets   •   Currencies   •  Indicator Scoreboard

The Bottom Line   •   Looking Ahead