Equities on Wall St slid again overnight, as Japan's nuclear crisis showed no signs of abating and analysts tallied up the potential economic costs of the devastation.

Gold hit a record high on world markets overnight, but equities fell as investors worried about the impact on consumer spending and corporate profits of high oil prices.

Stocks on Wall Street were mixed as investors awaited a fresh reason to extend the rally, while commodities including oil, gold and copper were boosted on hopes that Chinese demand would remain strong.

Equities in Europe and on Wall Street rallied after Portugal's successful bond sale eased concerns about the euro-zone's debt crisis.