Stocks in the US advanced as better-than-anticipated earnings outweighed a decline in homebuilder confidence.

Solid earnings data from corporate America has done little to ease investors' concerns that growth in the world economy is slowing.

Stocks in Europe and the US fell after worse-than-expected US economic data bolstered concern about growth.

Stocks in the US gave up earlier gains as investors were cautious before the start of next week's earnings season.

Stocks in the US rose as the fastest American retail sales growth in four years firmed optimism about the economic outlook.

Stocks in the US fell overnight, erasing an early rally, on evidence of a slowdown in growth in the US services sector.

Equities slid overnight amid further signs of economic weakness in China, Europe and the US.

Shares in investment company Guinness Peat Group fell 5c in early trading following the removal of New Zealand-based Tony Gibbs.