- Honda and Nissan expected to begin merger talks
- 'Draconian' Vietnam internet law heightens free speech fears
- Israeli women mobilise against ultra-Orthodox military exemptions
- Asian markets track Wall St rally as US inflation eases rate worries
- Tens of thousands protest in Serbian capital over fatal train station accident
- Trump vows to 'stop transgender lunacy' as a top priority
- Daniels throws five TDs as Commanders down Eagles, Lions and Vikings win
- 'Who's next?': Misinformation and online threats after US CEO slaying
- Only 12 trucks delivered food, water in North Gaza Governorate since October: Oxfam
- Langers edge Tiger and son Charlie in PNC Championship playoff
- Explosive batsman Jacobs gets New Zealand call-up for Sri Lanka series
- Holders PSG edge through on penalties in French Cup
- Slovak PM Fico on surprise visit to Kremlin to talk gas deliveries
- Daniels throw five TDs as Commanders down Eagles
- Atalanta fight back to take top spot in Serie A, Roma hit five
- Mancini admits regrets over leaving Italy for Saudi Arabia
- Run machine Ayub shines as Pakistan sweep South Africa
- Slovak PM Fico on surprise visit to Kremlin
- Gaza rescuers say Israeli strikes kill 35
- 'Incredible' Liverpool must stay focused: Slot
- Maresca 'absolutely happy' as title-chasing Chelsea drop points in Everton draw
- Salah happy wherever career ends after inspiring Liverpool rout
- Three and easy as Dortmund move into Bundesliga top six
- Liverpool hit Spurs for six, Man Utd embarrassed by Bournemouth
- Netanyahu vows to act with 'force, determination' against Yemen's Huthis
- Mbappe back from 'bottom' as Real Madrid down Sevilla
- Ali hat-trick helps champions Ahly crush Belouizdad
- France kept on tenterhooks over new government
- Salah stars as rampant Liverpool hit Spurs for six
- Syria's new leader says all weapons to come under 'state control'
- 'Sonic 3' zips to top of N.America box office
- Rome's Trevi Fountain reopens to limited crowds
- Mbappe strikes as Real Madrid down Sevilla
- 'Nervous' Man Utd humiliated by Bournemouth
- Pope again condemns 'cruelty' of Israeli strikes on Gaza
- Lonely this Christmas: Vendee skippers in low-key celebrations on high seas
- Troubled Man Utd humiliated by Bournemouth
- 2 US pilots shot down over Red Sea in 'friendly fire' incident: military
- Man Utd embarrassed by Bournemouth, Chelsea held at Everton
- France awaits fourth government of the year
- Germany pledges security inquest into Christmas market attack
- Death toll in Brazil bus crash rises to 41
- Joshua bout only fight left for beaten Fury says promoter Hearn
- Odermatt stays hot to break Swiss World Cup wins record
- Neville says Rashford's career at Man Utd nearing 'inevitable ending'
- Syria's new leader vows not to negatively interfere in Lebanon
- Germany pledges security inquest after Christmas market attack
- Putin vows 'destruction' on Ukraine after Kazan drone attack
- Understated Usyk seeks recognition among boxing legends
- France awaits appointment of new government
Stock markets, dollar climb before Fed rate decision
Stock markets mostly climbed and the dollar steadied against main rivals Wednesday with the US Federal Reserve set to cut interest rates.
Shares in Nissan soared more than 20 percent on reports that the Japanese car titan is in merger talks with rival Honda.
The Fed is widely expected to cut borrowing costs for a third time in a row when it concludes its gathering Wednesday, leaving traders to focus on its statement for clues over the outlook.
"The most important thing from the Fed's meeting will be comments on monetary policy in 2025 as the market is starting to fret about future rate cuts being less frequent," noted Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.
With US inflation coming down, decision-makers have been able to loosen their grip on policy since September.
However, with Donald Trump set to re-enter the White House next month -- pledging tax cuts, deregulation and tariffs on imports from China -- there are fears that prices could reignite, forcing the Fed to re-evaluate its rates timetable.
Across the Atlantic, official data Wednesday showed UK inflation picked up in November, firming expectations that the Bank of England will hold off cutting its key interest rate on Thursday.
With annual inflation rising as expected to 2.6 percent, the pound also steadied.
Traders also awaited conclusion of the Bank of Japan's policy meeting Thursday.
Chinese stock markets and oil prices gained on hopes of more stimulus to boost China's flagging economy.
Focus was also on the car sector. While Nissan shares soared, Honda fell about three percent. Mitsubishi Motors -- whose top stakeholder is Nissan -- accelerated almost 20 percent.
Elsewhere on the corporate front, Italy's second largest bank UniCredit increased its stake in Germany's Commerzbank to around 28 percent amid growing speculation of an attempted buyout.
- Key figures around 1045 GMT -
London - FTSE 100: UP 0.3 percent at 8,216.08 points
Paris - CAC 40: UP 0.3 percent at 7,385.05
Frankfurt - DAX: UP 0.3 percent at 20,311.53
Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.7 percent at 39,081.71 (close)
Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: UP 0.8 percent at 19,864.55 (close)
Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.6 percent at 3,382.21 (close)
New York - Dow: DOWN 0.6 percent at 43,449.90 (close)
Euro/dollar: FLAT at $1.0498
Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2709 from $1.2707
Dollar/yen: UP at 153.59 yen from 153.41 yen
Euro/pound: UP at 82.61 pence from 82.52 pence
Brent North Sea Crude: UP 0.6 percent at $73.59 per barrel
West Texas Intermediate: UP 0.6 percent at $70.09 per barrel
L.Miller--AMWN