Asian shares drifted lower on Wednesday, after rallying the previous session on hopes for further stimulus from the Federal Reserve, as investors waited for more clues on the state of the U.S. economy

Asian markets were mostly higher on Monday following a positive lead from Wall Street and bargain hunting after last week's losses but gains were capped by lingering concerns over China's economy.

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The Greek parliament formally ratified early on Wednesday a second eurozone bailout scheme worth up to 130 billion euros ($170 billion) to save it from defaulting on its national debts.

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The euro on Wednesday rose to its highest level in nearly five months against the yen and also gained ground on the dollar in Asian trade, as worries over the eurozone's debt crisis eased.

The euro f

Asian shares were mixed on Monday, as lingering optimism over the recovery in the global economy was tempered by US data that came in below expectations.

Tokyo added 0.18 per cent by the break, Hong

The global economy has stepped back from the brink of danger and signs of stabilisation are emerging from the euro zone and the United States, but high debt levels in developed markets and rising oil

Britain unveils an annual budget on Wednesday that is likely to build on the coalition government's deficit-slashing austerity strategy, while also seeking to grow a recession-threatened economy.

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will allocate 28 billion euro (over $36 billion) to support Greece's economic programme over the next four years, the IMF has said.

The Washington-based fund sai

Greece averted the immediate threat of an uncontrolled default on Friday when a sufficient number of private creditors agreed on a bond swap deal that will cut the country's public debt and clear the

Eurozone finance ministers have released 35 billion euro from the second bailout package for debt-ridden Greece shortly after the government in Athens reached a landmark deal with private creditors on