Global stocks climb as US votes

US stocks climbed today as some investors bet that Republican Mitt Romney could pull off a surprise victory in the presidential vote, citing gains in defence and energy shares.

The Dow Jones industrial average was up 168.66 points, or 1.29 percent, at 13,281.10. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index was up 14.41 points, or 1.02 percent, at 1,431.67. The Nasdaq Composite Index was up 19.20 points, or 0.64 percent, at 3,018.87.

European equities were lifted by a clutch of strong earnings reports, although volumes were subdued as many preferred to wait for the outcome of the neck-and-neck US presidential election.

The gains in Adecco, coupled with a strong performance in the insurance sector after an outlook upgrade by Hannover Re helped the FTSEurofirst 300 to close 0.5 percent higher at 1,114.77 points.

The EuroSTOXX 50 added 0.7 percent to 2,535.94 points with volumes, at just 57 percent of the 90-day daily average on EuroSTOXX 50, the fourth lowest so far this year.

Japan's Nikkei share average fell on Tuesday, ending below the 9,000 mark as a stronger yen hit

exporters such as carmakers while investors steered clear of big positions ahead of the the US election result.

The Nikkei finished down 0.4 percent at 8,975.15. The broader Topix was also 0.4 percent lower at 744.88.