LONDON - Britain's top stock index hit a two-week closing high as miners gained tracking stronger metals prices, but persistent concerns about euro zone debt problems prompted investors to stay cautious.

The FTSE 100 ended up 50.28 points, or 0.9 percent, at 5,433.73 - the highest close since April 30.

@MARKET ROUNDUP:EUROFIRST

EUROPE - European shares ended slightly higher, with strong earnings from BT and Sainsbury offsetting rising concerns that fiscal tightening in Europe could result in a slowdown in the region's growth.

The FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares closed 0.1 percent higher at 1,049.89 points, in a volatile session where the index swung between positive and negative territory.

@MARKET ROUNDUP:EUROmarkets

FRANKFURT - The DAX index ended at 6,251.97 points, up 68.48 or 1.11 percent.

PARIS - The CAC-40 index closed at 3,731.54 points, down 2.33 or 0.06 percent.

ZURICH - The Swiss market index closed at 6,575.05 points, up 66.05 or 1.01 percent.

MILAN - The FT IT All Share index closed at 21,483.73 points, down 142.65 or 0.66 percent.

@MARKET ROUNDUP:nikkei

TOKYO - Japan's Nikkei average rose over two percent to a one-week closing high after Spain outlined measures to cut its deficit, easing fears the Greek debt crisis could spread in Europe and boosting exporters such as Advantest.

The Nikkei was up 2.2 percent or 226.52 points to 10,620.55, its highest close since last Thursday.

@MARKET ROUNDUP:hang seng

HONG KONG - Hong Kong stocks ended just over one percent up as Asian stocks hit highs for the week as euro zone worries eased, although trading volumes on the Hong Kong stock exchange remained muted.

The Hang Seng Index ended up 210 points at 20,422.46.

@MARKET ROUNDUP:asx

MELBOURNE - Australian shares jumped 1.8 percent, as Spain's plan to cut spending soothed investor fears about Europe's debt woes and soaring Australian employment boosted confidence in the economic recovery.

The S&P/ASX 200 index advanced by 79.8 points to close at 4,652.8.

@MARKET ROUNDUP:south africa

JOHANNESBURG - South African stocks dipped, in line with global equities, while the rand dipped and government bonds gained marginally after a fairly dovish central bank statement on interest rates.

The All-share index closed at 28,041.85 points, down 136.38 or 0.48 percent. The All Gold index closed at 2,539.4 points, down 17.82 or 0.7 percent, while the Industrial index closed at 22,157.96 points, down 212.42 or 0.95 percent.