Here is how major stock markets outside the United States ended on Tuesday.
Vodafone shares ended up 4.5 percent in twice the daily average volume on news it lost out to US rival Cingular, which paid $41 billion in cash to buy AT&T Wireless and become America's top cellphone firm.
Also in media, global news and information provider Reuters Group jumped 18.4 percent to its highest level since June 2002 as it posted 2003 profit well above market expectations.
The FTSE Eurotop 300 index of pan-European blue chips ended 0.93 percent higher at 1,005.14 points, the highest close since July 10, 2002.
In high volume, the number of gainers to losers was about two to one.
The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index drifted up just 8.6 points, or 0.26 percent, to 3,328.8, regaining most of Monday's 0.4 percent loss.
Turnover was slightly below average at A$1.9 billion ($1.5 billion).
The All-share index closed at 10947.74 points, up 99.83 or 0.92 percent.
The All Gold index closed at 2425.65 points, up 30.19 or 1.26 percent, while the Industrial index closed at 7226.27 points, up 41.45 or 0.58 percent.