On Monday European equity markets slumped as Asian markets were battered by the strengthening yen, which rose to three-month highs against the euro and the dollar as investors dumped risky assets and strategies.

The slide followed a sell-off in Asian equities, which was driven by the unwinding of the yen carry trade.

European investors put aside the recent equity correction on Tuesday and looked ahead to expected gains on Wall Street, while some strong results also gave the market support.

Asian equities climbed after the previous session's rout, when concerns over the unwinding yen carry trade left Tokyo's Nikkei 255 down more than 3%.

On Wednesday European stocks were higher thanks to a strong performance on Wall Street overnight, and fresh merger and acquisition activity.

European equities opened higher on Thursday as banking and insurance stocks benefited from some solid results, while rallying oil prices lifted the energy sector.

On Friday European equities were lower as drugs, metals and mining groups slipped, and although the losses were less severe than those seen last week, strategists were cautious of calling an end to the recent market volatility.

The Japanese stock market continued cautious recovery from the recent market turmoil, rising moderately.

This article was compiled by Valletta Fund Management Limited, a member of the BOV Group. Valletta Fund Management, The Mall Offices, Level 6, The Mall, Floriana VLT 16. Freephone: 8007-2344. E-mail: infovfm@vfm.com.mt. Website: www.vfm.com.mt VFM is licensed by the MFSA.