There have been only a handful of occasions when a decline has been seen equivalent to the May 22 sell-off in Tokyo.

World stock markets have tumbled after China’s robust economic growth took a knock and German leaders warned that Europe’s debt crisis might linger.

Asian stocks bounced after tentative steps by eurozone policymakers to tackle a crippling debt crisis, but investors remained wary.

Gold has reached $1 921.41 per ounce and FTSE staged ‘marginal’ recovery as double-dip recession fears sent Japan’s Nikkei index falling.

World stocks rose after stability returned to markets after last week’s dizzying swings and data showed Japan’s economy shrank less than expected.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 index closed above 10 000 points on Monday amid optimism Wall Street shares would rise following the death of Osama bin Laden.

Global stock markets traded mixed on Thursday amid recession fears as Wall Street rose and Europe fell for a second day running.