BANK OF JAPAN

U.S. stock index futures point to a higher open Tuesday amid hopes that central banks around the world will announce stimulus measures to boost the economy and regain the growth momentum.

Most of the Asian markets rose Tuesday amid hopes that the Bank of Japan will soon announce stimulus measures to regain the economic growth momentum.

Most of the European markets fell Monday as investors were disappointed to note that the economic growth slowed down in the second quarter in Japan indicating that the global economy continues to falter.

Japan's economic growth slowed down in the April-June quarter compared to the first three months of the year, indicating that the country is losing growth momentum affected by soft global demand and weak consumer spending.

Despite most central banks slashing interest rates in 2009, there is still room for central banks to maneuver and stimulate their sluggish economies.

Asian stock markets advanced for the fourth straight session Thursday after data showed that Chinese inflation continued to cool down in July, providing more room for further policy easing to boost growth.

European markets rose Thursday as investor confidence was lifted by hopes that China will announce stimulus measures to boost the economic condition and regain the growth momentum.

The Bank of Japan Thursday kept its key policy rate unchanged and refrained from announcing any monetary easing measures citing that the country's economy is picking up moderately.

Most of the Asian markets rose Thursday as hopes for monetary easing measures to be announced by China grew following reports that the country's inflation slowed down in July compared to the previous month.

Japan’s industrial output declined in June, which is the third consecutive month showing a fall, indicating that the weakening global demand and the debt burden faced by the euro zone are affecting the country’s economy.

Japan’s consumer prices declined in June indicating that the country’s economy continues to be affected by the soft global demand, the worsening crisis in the euro zone and the strengthening yen.

By taking policy rates to close to 0 percent and pushing deposit rates below zero, the move by Denmark may have opened the window for the ECB to take action at their meeting next week.

Asian markets breathed a sigh of relief Friday as the Chinese GDP figures improved, contrary to what some had feared, and eased concerns of a sharper slowdown in the world's second largest economy. The second quarter economic data showed a sequential acceleration and pointed to a pick-up in growth in the second half of the year.

Asian stock markets plunged Thursday as unexpected interest rate cut in South Korea fueled concerns over global economic slowdown and the Federal Reserve offered no strong hints about another round of quantitative easing.

Asian stock markets face the week with sentiment leaning negative as economic news, particularly from China, is likely to disappoint investors.

U.S. stock index futures pointed to a higher open Monday as investor sentiment turned positive with indications of improvement in business conditions in Asia and also continued optimism on the measures taken at the EU summit.

Asian Stock markets ended flat Monday as the optimism over Europe's moves to tackle the region's debt crisis faded and lackluster data from China also weighed.

Most European markets rose Monday as investors were encouraged by the hopeful economic indications from Asia and also the measures taken at the EU summit last week.

Most Asian markets rose Monday amid indications of improving business conditions in Japan and on continued optimism about the measures taken in the EU summit to alleviate the euro zone debt burden.

Japan's industrial production declined in May from the previous month, according to data released by the Trade Ministry Friday.

Japan?s retail sales growth slowed down in the year to May compared to April indicating that private consumption is getting affected by the faltering global economic conditions.