A Look At Economic Developments Around The Globe

The Associated Press

A look at economic developments and activity in major stock markets around the world Wednesday:

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BEIJING — The slump in China's exports eased last month and several other key indicators showed improvement, fresh evidence that recovery in the world's third-largest economy was firmly on track.

Exports fell 13.8 percent in October, the smallest decrease in 10 months. Imports dropped by 6.4 percent, a slightly faster pace than in September.

Industrial output and retail sales also rose sharply from last year, further signs that sluggish growth might be picking up. The key inflation rate fell 0.5 percent in October.

Asian shares ended mostly higher. While China's Shanghai index fell 0.1 percent after eight days of gains, Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 1.6 percent and South Korea's market added 0.8 percent. Markets in Australia, Taiwan and Singapore also rose. Japan's Nikkei stock average was closed nearly flat.

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