Canada's benchmark TSE 300 spent the day in negative territory, falling 42.10 points to 7,866.10. Only six subindices closed down (led by Industrials, as Nortel lost $0.55 cents). Golds lead the other eight subindices higher.

European markets finished lower. In London, the Financial Times-Stock Exchange 100 index slipped 6.40 points, or 0.12%, to 5,252.50, as U.K. industry production fell 0.5% in January, according to a new economic report. In France, the CAC 40 was lower by 36.10 points, or 0.79%, to 4,550.65. In Germany, the DAX Index was down 49.20 points, or 0.92%, to 5,291.47, taking a cue from Tokyo's slide.

Asia markets ended with losses. The Nikkei plunged 311.97 points, or 2.62%, to 11,607.33, ending a four-day rally as investors consolidated recent gains. In Hong Kong, the market was down 45.01 points, or 0.40%, to 11,273.86