European share prices are mostly higher in midday trading today (Wednesday).
London's Financial Times index is up 25 points at 5,036. The CAC-40 in Paris is 17 points higher at 4,102, and the DAX index in Frankfurt is up 29 points at 4,425.
The S&P futures contract is up about three points, indicating a slightly lower opening for U.S. stocks.
Tokyo's Nikkei index gained 80 points to finish at 11,967 Hong Kong's Hang Seng index gained 60 points to end at 13,941.
The price of gold in London is 439 dollars, 90 cents an ounce, up one dollar, 70 cents from Tuesday.
The dollar in London is mixed against other major currencies.
Information for this report is provided by AP.