Closing stock market indices

Major stock markets outside the United States ended on Tuesday.
EUROPEAN STOCKS EXCHANGE: European shares fell to their lowest close in three weeks, with banks down on worries of further losses and the impact of a recession in emerging Europe, and with energy stocks tracking lower oil prices. The FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares fell 2.5 percent to 765.43 points, its lowest close since January 23.
It has lost 8 percent this year, following a 45 percent decline in 2008. Ratings agency Moody's said the recession in emerging European economies would be more severe than elsewhere due to large imbalances and would put the financial strength ratings of local banks and western parents under pressure.
FRANKFURT STOCKS EXCHANGE: The DAX index ended at 4,216.6 points, down 150.04 or 3.44 percent.
PARIS STOCKS EXCHANGE: The CAC-40 index closed at 2,875.23 points, down 86.99 or 2.94 percent.
ZURICH STOCKS EXCHANGE: The Swiss market index closed at 4,941.31 points, down 136.31 or 2.68 percent.
MILAN STOCKS EXCHANGE: The All Share Mibtel index closed at 13,614 points, down 474 or 3.36 percent.
SYDNEY STOCKS EXCHANGE: Shares fell 1.5 percent on worries about European banks and poor results, though debt-laden companies Oz Minerals Ltd and Paperlinx Ltd gained on deals to ease their woes. The S&P/ASX 200 index lost 52.6 points to close at 3,464.3, adding to Monday's 1.2 percent slide.
JOHANNESBURG STOCKS EXCHANGE: South Africa's rand plunged over 2 percent and stocks, led by financials, fell to a two-week low amid renewed worries about the global economy, but gold miners rose as risk aversion buoyed bullion. The All-share index closed at 20,044.49 points, down 337.63 or 1.66 percent. The All Gold index closed at 2,878.6 points, up 189.88 or 7.06 percent, while the Industrial index closed at 15,311.04 points, down 252.58 or 1.62 percent.