A look at economic developments and activity in major stock markets around the world Tuesday:

___

PARIS _ European stock markets moved higher as investors continued to book modest gains amid thin volume on the back of satisfying holiday sales in the U.S. and rising commodity prices. In Europe, the FTSE-100 index of leading British shares reopened after an extended holiday break, rising 35.2 points or 0.65 percent to 5,437.61, while Paris' CAC 40 index was up 12.83 points or 0.33 percent at 3,959.98, approaching a new 14-month high. Germany's DAX rose 8.63 points or 0.14 percent to 6,011.55. Europe's major indexes were seen extending their now six-day rally by sales figures showing shoppers in the U.S. spent more freely this holiday season, a sign that consumers are feeling better about the economy.

___

SHANGHAI _ Chinese stocks rose on higher commodity prices and Premier Wen Jiabao's pledge of continued easy credit, led by resources and bank shares. The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index added 22.98 points, or 0.7 percent, to close at 3,212.52. The Shenzhen Composite Index for China's smaller second exchange jumped 0.4 percent to 1,191.07. Heavyweights jumped on rising commodity prices boosted by the stalled rally of the dollar, analysts said. Investors were still buoyed by the premier's Sunday promise that a relaxed monetary policy would continue next year.

___

TOKYO _ Japanese stocks finished virtually flat as weak banking shares offset a rise among retailers. The benchmark Nikkei 225 stock average edged up 3.83 points, or 0.04 percent, to 10,638.06 in an erratic session. The Nikkei hit a new four-month high again after Monday's rally, though the index fell just short of a year high of 10,639.71 reached on Aug. 26. The broader Topix index added 0.1 percent to 915.87. Retailers, market laggards this year, posted solid gains after clothing chain company Shimamura Co. reported a 15 percent rise in net profit in the nine months through Nov. 20. The issue jumped 3.5 percent to 8,780 yen.

___