1.   Bank shares were among the best performers, as falling bond yields and the outlook for still-lower interest rates boosted the outlook for earnings.

2.   Bank shares were among the best performers, as falling bond yields and the prospect of still-lower interest rates boosted the outlook for earnings.

3.   Better-than-expected reports could weigh on bonds by boosting the outlook for the economy and sending Tokyo stocks higher.

4.   A weaker yen also helped technology stocks by boosting the outlook for sales of exports.

5.   Boosting the outlook for stable interest rates was a report that U.S. manufacturing activity slowed in September.

6.   Boosting the outlook for stable interest rates, a trade group reported that U.S. manufacturing activity slowed in September.

7.   German shares rose as the dollar hit a four-week high against the mark, boosting the outlook for exporters.

8.   Japanese bonds fell amid expectations that a stronger dollar could boost the outlook for the economy and give the central bank room to raise interest rates from record lows.

9.   Japanese bonds fell as a stronger dollar boosted the outlook for the economy and sparked speculation the central bank may have room to raise interest rates from record lows.

10.   Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar strengthened against European currencies, boosting the outlook for exporters.