Canada's benchmark TSE 300 left the session on a negative note, declining 42.41 points, or 0.51%, to 8,258.80. Key stock Nortel was a huge drag, contributing to almost all the decline on the index. Technology and financials were the biggest losers. The oil and gas sector, as well as the metal and mineral sector, held up well. TSE 300 market breadth was 143-141 negative.

Europe markets ended higher. In London, the Financial Times-Stock Exchange 100 index added 66 points, or 1.13%, to 5,922.50. In Germany, the DAX Index was up 64.39 points, or 1.04%, to 6,242.13. In France, the CAC 40 gained 83.56 points, or 1.54%, to 5,516.27.

Asia markets finished mixed. The Nikkei lost 130.35 points, or 0.98%, to 13,182. In Hong Kong, the market surged 244.38 points, or 1.85%, to 13,451.87.