Global shares end mixed on Bernanke comments

The S&P 500 ended barely changed on Thursday as optimism about China's interest-rate cut was offset by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's comments that dimmed hopes for more US stimulus.

The Dow Jones industrial average ended up 46.17 points, or 0.37 percent, at 12,460.96. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index was down 0.14 point, or 0.01 percent, at 1,314.99. The Nasdaq Composite Index was down 13.70 points, or 0.48 percent, at 2,831.02.

European shares rose but ended well off a session peak as the upbeat mood sparked by a Chinese rate cut ebbed after comments from the head of the US Federal Reserve gave few hints further monetary stimulus was imminent there.

The FTSEurofirst 300 nevertheless advanced 1.1 percent to 984.62 points, its highest close since May 29 and continuing a bounce from oversold territory which began on Monday.

In Asia, Nikkei average rose on speculation that euro zone leaders would take policy action to curb the spread of the region's debt crisis, with a softer yen lending additional support.

The Nikkei advanced for the third day, gaining 1.2 percent to 8,639.72. The broader Topix index put on 1.7 percent to 730.75, building on its recovery from the 28-year low it hit on Monday.