Asian Stocks End Mixed; Europe Gains

By Stephen Wright

BANGKOK -- World markets were in a holding pattern Tuesday, with stock benchmarks narrowly mixed as investors looked to earnings as a possible antidote to pessimism about a quick economic recovery.

Last week's gloomy unemployment figures from the U.S. and Europe continued to dampen sentiment, keeping the breaks on the massive rally in world markets that began in early March on hopes the recession had run its course.

Oil slid below $64 after also tumbling the day before, keeping a lid on commodity stocks. ...