The CAC-40 index closed at 4,575.31 points, down 25.17 or 0.55 percent. ZURICH - The Swiss market index closed at 7,427.48 points, down 71.22 or 0.95 percent. MILAN - The All Share Mibtel index closed at 25,977 points, down 157 or 0.60 percent. TOKYO - Japan's Nikkei share average topped 14,900 for the first time in nearly five years, with exporters such as Sony Corp. boosted by a firm dollar and a strong start to the U.S. holiday shopping season. The Nikkei average finished up 1.37 percent, or 202.65 points, at 14,986.94. HONG KONG - Stocks ended slightly firmer following the release of stronger-than-expected economic growth figures on Friday and signs of strong U.S. consumer confidence. The benchmark Hang Seng Index closed up 0.12 percent, or 18.53 points, at 15,100.00. SYDNEY - Shares moved up as soaring metal prices boosted miners like BHP Billiton and Newcrest, though ex-dividend St. George Bank and gaming firm Tabcorp's dim outlook capped gains. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index added 16.5 points, or 0.35 percent, to close at 4,665.3. JOHANNESBURG - Stocks slipped as a robust rand whacked miners lower and interest rate jitters hit retail shares like Edgars Consolidated Stores and Pick 'n Pay. The All-share index closed at 17,196.69 points, down 121.58 or 0.70 percent. The All Gold index closed at 2,345.28 points, down 8.05 or 0.34 percent, while the Industrial index closed at 12,307.85 points, down 94.09 or 0.76 percent.
