World Stocks Rise on Hopes of US, China Stimulus

Stock markets rose Thursday on hopes that more help for the global economy is on the way, after minutes from the U.S. Federal Reserve showed policy makers favor further stimulus and poor manufacturing data out of China fueled speculation that Beijing will take more action to boost its economy.

Asia Stocks Jump Most Since January as Progress Seen in Europe

Asian stocks capped the biggest weekly gain since January as euro-zone leaders agreed to relax conditions for recapitalizing lenders and amid speculation China will do more to shore up growth.

IMF Says Asia Has Room for Stimulus

SINGAPORE—Asia so far has proved resilient to the European debt crisis and slowing global growth, and countries in the region have room to take growth-boosting steps in case of a sharp downturn, the International Monetary Fund said.