European stock exchanges surged ahead on Wednesday in line with a robust opening on Wall Street and in response to some positive US economic data despite worse-than-expected unemployment figures.

The London FTSE 100 index added 2.15 percent to close at 4340.71 points while in Paris the Cac 40 rose 2.43 percent to reach 3217. The Frankfurt Dax gained 2.0 percent to end the session at 4905.44.

There were gains of 1.18 percent in Madrid, 2.12 percent in Brussels, 1.99 percent in Milan and 2.19 percent in Amsterdam.

In Asia on Wednesday, Japanese share prices ended slightly lower as investors took profits after a key index of business confidence rose by less than expected, dealers said.

Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei-225 index lost 18.51 points, or 0.19 percent, to end at 9939.93, a day after ending at a two-week high.

The Nikkei topped 10 000 points at one point during the day but failed to hold above the key level.

"As the index topped 10 000, it was a good time to sell," said Hideaki Higashi, a strategist at SMBC Friend Securities.

The Bank of Japan said in its quarterly Tankan survey that business confidence among major Japanese manufacturers had improved for the first time in two-and-a-half years.

AFP

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