LONDON, United Kingdom (Reuters):

Here is how major stock markets outside the United States ended yesterday.

LONDON - The FTSE 100 index of leading shares ended up 0.6 per cent, buoyed by commodities and U.S. economic data but weighed down by HSBC Holdings, which fell 1.4 per cent to its lowest level since June after a trading update. The FTSE 100 closed at 6,086.4 points, up 36 or 0.60 per cent.

EUROPE - Data showing the global economy remaining in good health boosted European shares, with mining and energy stocks leading the gains as oil hit US$63 a barrel and metal prices rose.

Disappointing updates from Woolworths and Tesco weighed on the retail sector, but drug maker Sanofi-Aventis advanced following positive results from a clincial trial of a key drug.

The FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares closed 0.7 per cent higher at 1,439.9 points, taking gains for the year to date to 13 per cent.

FRANKFURT - The DAX index ended at 6,372.8 points, up 77.57 or 1.23 per cent.

PARIS - The CAC-40 index closed at 5,359.69 points, up 63.61 or 1.20 per cent.

ZURICH - The Swiss market index closed at 8,452.07 points, down 27.32 or 0.32 per cent.

MILAN - The All Share Mibtel index closed at 31,102 points, up 194 or 0.63 per cent.

TOKYO - The Nikkei average lost 0.23 per cent as gains in Fast Retailing and technology shares such as Kyocera were offset by losses in energy stocks amid lower oil prices. The Nikkei ended down 37.83 points at 16,265.76, adding to a 0.1 per cent fall the previous session.

HONG KONG - Hong Kong blue chips rose 1.3 per cent as telecom plays surged amid expectations that China will soon issue long-awaited 3G licences. The benchmark Hang Seng index gained 241.46 points to close at 18,944.19

SYDNEY - Australian shares ended almost unchanged for a second day, while takeover target Rinker Group fell on doubts about the success of a US$12 billion bid by Mexico's Cemex. The S&P/ASX 200 Index gained just 1.6 points, or 0.03 per cent, to close at 5,426.5.

JOHANNESBURG - South African shares closed stronger, tracking global markets and buoyed by a two per cent gain by mining group Anglo American, the subject of rumours of possible corporate action. The All-share index closed at 24,191.44 points, up 118.24 or 0.49 per cent. The All Gold index closed at 3,038.66 points, down 37.36 or 1.21 per cent, while the Industrial index closed at 16,564.73 points, down 7.21 or 0.04 per cent.