A Look At Economic Developments Around The Globe

WARSAW, Poland — Poland's economy minister said he wants to increase trade with the country's eastern neighbors, including Russia and Belarus — two countries with whom political ties have sometimes been tense. Waldemar Pawlak's comments come as Poland's major trading partners within the European Union, most notably Germany, are suffering a recession and have cut their demand for Polish products.

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SHANGHAI — Chinese shares rose as inflation data spurred investor hopes the government might unveil plans for more stimulus spending. The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index added 28.36 points, or 1 percent, to close at 2,816.25, its highest level since July 31. The Shenzhen Composite Index for China's smaller second exchange rose 1.2 percent to 932.13. Investors were encouraged by consumer prices falling a less-than-expected 1.4 percent in May from a year earlier, analysts said. A prolonged fall in prices can be economically damaging.

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TOKYO — Japan's benchmark index jumped to a fresh eight-month high, powered by climbing commodity prices and optimism that a global economic recovery is more than just speculation. The Nikkei 225 stock average gained 204.67 points, or 2.1 percent, to 9,991.49 — edging toward the key 10,000 level and its highest close since Oct. 7 when it stood at 10,155.90. The broader Topix index rose 2 percent to 937.01. Oil prices zoomed above $71 a barrel in Asia to reach a 2009 high. Prices have jumped more than 100 percent in three months as traders have cheered news showing the worst of a severe U.S. recession is likely over.