World stocks ease as Fed stimulus hopes dim

Global stocks retreated on Thursday as expectations dimmed for new stimulus from the Federal Reserve and data indicated an economic slowdown in Europe and China.

The Dow Jones industrial average closed down 115.30 points, or 0.88 percent, at 13,057.46. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index slid 11.41 points, or 0.81 percent, at 1,402.08. The Nasdaq Composite Index fell 20.27 points, or 0.66 percent, at 3,053.40.

European shares ended lower after a choppy session in very light trade, as concern over the outlook for the global economy took its toll on investor sentiment.

The FTSEurofirst 300 closed down 0.6 percent at 1,089.13, having risen as high as 1,102.67 after minutes from the last US Federal Reserve meeting published late on Wednesday suggested it could soon launch fresh stimulus measures to boost growth.

In Asia, Nikkei average hit a three-month closing high, reversing earlier losses as investors picked up exporters hurt by a firmer yen after the Fed signalled it is likely to launch another round of stimulus. The Nikkei advanced 0.5 percent to 9,178.12. The Topix was up 0.2 percent at 764.59.