US stocks advanced supported by Citigroup's strong earnings, end higher for an eighth straight day, the longest such streak since mid-January, though weak retail sales limited gains in a session with the lowest volume of the year.
European stocks rose to extend a recovery after hitting low points in late June, as Chinese economic data eased fears over a slowdown in that country and boosted sentiment.
Asian shares edged higher taking their cue from U.S. shares after weaker-than-forecast retail sales growth backed the view that the U.S. Federal Reserve will hold off reducing its bond-buying stimulus soon.