Stocks advanced in Europe and Asia, led by industrial companies and commodity producers, on speculation a US plan to help borrowers will shore up the economy. US index futures were little changed.

ABB Ltd, the world's biggest maker of power networks, rose in Zurich, while BHP Billiton Ltd and BP Plc climbed in London on higher metal and oil prices. Trading company Mitsui & Co jumped in Tokyo. Credit Suisse Group's lower-than-expected profit and speculation of writedowns at ING Groep NV limited the gains.

The MSCI World Index added 0.4 percent to 1420.39 at 11:10 am in London, after three sources said six US lenders would announce new steps yesterday (local time) to help some borrowers in danger of default stay in their homes. Futures on the Standard & Poor's 500 Index rose less than 0.1 percent.