Closing stock market indices

Major stock markets outside the United States ended on Wednesday.
EUROPE STOCKS EXCHANGE: European stocks were indicated at their lowest close in six weeks, weighed by worries around banks, the impact of a strong euro on exporters and inflation fears sparked by oil inching towards $100 a barrel. The FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares was 0.7 percent lower at 1,543.55 points.
FRANKFURT STOCKS EXCHANGE: The DAX index ended at 7799.62 points, down 27.57 or 0.35 percent.
PARIS STOCKS EXCHANGE: The CAC-40 index closed at 5683.22 points, down 26.2 or 0.46 percent.
ZURICH STOCKS EXCHANGE: The Swiss market index closed at 8703.17 points, down 67.12 or 0.77 percent.
MILAN STOCKS EXCHANGE: The All Share Mibtel index closed at 30545 points, down 166 or 0.54 percent.
SYDNEY STOCKS EXCHANGE: Australian shares rose nearly one percent, gaining for a second straight day, as record high oil prices and strong metal prices boosted resource firms such as BHP Billiton and Newcrest Mining. The S&P/ASX 200 index rose 0.97 percent, or 64.4 points, to 6,692.4.
JOHANNESBURG STOCKS EXCHANGE: South Africa's rand surged to multi-month highs, but rallying commodities shares failed to lift broader stock indices weighed down by lingering global credit worries. The All-share index closed at 30767.76 points, up 3.13 or 0.01 percent. The All Gold index closed at 2543.88 points, up 73.1 or 2.96 percent, while the Industrial index closed at 21090.78 points, down 229.56 or 1.08 percent.