In US markets, Major indicies ended in gains after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke signalled a commitment to monetary stimulus for the foreseeable future. The data showed that the number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits unexpectedly increased to a two-month high. Microsoft rose after the company announced a reorganization designed to streamline the software company's operations.
On the European front, the British benchmark indices rose after the US Federal Reserve chairman signalled a commitment to monetary stimulus for the foreseeable future along with earning season. European equities trimmed some of their gains after news of a pick-up in US weekly jobless claims along with Euro zone political concerns after the president rejected a plan to heal a government rift.
Nikkei opened the morning session on a flat note and seesawing between gains and losses due to a weaker dollar against basket of currencies after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke signalled a commitment to monetary stimulus for the foreseeable future. However, the overnight gains in the US markets supported the market at lower levels.