(RTTNews) - The European markets fell for the first time in seven days on Wednesday, as a weak U.S. employment data hurt investors' sentiment and lower crude oil and metals prices weighed on energy and mining stocks.

When the Berlin Wall came down, then Chancellor Helmut Kohl predicted eastern Germany would be transformed into a "flourishing landscape." Twenty years later, his forecast has come true for Bitterfeld.

Aachen, Germany (Jan 8, 2009) : A man alleged to have killed three members of the Dutch resistance as an SS assassin during the Second World War escaped trial in Germany Wednesday, with judges ruling he was too frail to try at 87.

CANBERRA, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Australia's centre-left government warned its union support base on Thursday to moderate wage claims as mining workers sought pay hikes of up to 33 percent despite wide fears of recession and rising joblessness.

Asian stock markets fell sharply Thursday, with benchmarks in Tokyo and Hong Kong tumbling about 4 percent, as more evidence of company woes and a weak U.S. job market rekindled worries about the unfolding global slump. European markets opened lower.

Asian stock markets fell sharply Thursday, with benchmarks in Tokyo and Hong Kong tumbling about 4 percent, as more evidence of company woes and a weak U.S. job market rekindled worries about the unfolding global slump.

LONDON, Jan 6 (Reuters) - European stock index futures pointed to a higher start on Tuesday, adding to a five-session rally, helped by firmer metals prices that could support mining equities. At 0704 GMT, futures for the Eurostoxx 50, Germany's DAX and the French CAC 40 were up between 0.3 and 0.6 percent.

LONDON, Jan 6 (Reuters) - European stock index futures pointed to a higher start on Tuesday, adding to a five-session rally, helped by firmer metals prices that could support mining equities.

LONDON, Jan 6 (Reuters) - European shares were expected to open higher on Tuesday, tracking marginal gains in Asian stocks that rose on hopes for a global economic recovery later in 2009, with firmer metals prices seen supporting European mining equities.

Prices rose for a sixth day Tuesday as forecasts from retailers reassured investors and speculation grew that government measures would revive the global economy.