Global Stocks: U.S. indices posted mixed results

U.S. stock indices posted mixed results on Tuesday amid domestic economic data and revised global growth forecasts by the International Monetary Fund.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 13.76 points, or less than 0.1%, to 16,790.19. The S&P 500 declined 7.13, or 0.4%, to 1,979.92 (health-care sector led declines while shares of energy companies climbed). The Nasdaq Composite Index fell 32.90, or 0.7%, to 4,748.36.

U.S. trade deficit expanded in August amid a stronger dollar, low commodity prices. Slow growth overseas also affected demand for U.S. products. The deficit rose by seasonally adjusted 15.6% to $48.33 billion in August. Imports rose by 1.2%, while exports fell by 2% (the lowest level since October 2012).

The IMF cut global GDP growth forecast for 2015 and 2016 by 0.2% to 3.1% and 3.6% respectively. "Relative to last year, the recovery in advanced economies is expected to pick up slightly, while activity in emerging market and developing economies is projected to slow for the fifth year in a row, primarily reflecting weaker prospects for some large emerging market economies and oil-exporting countries," the IMF said.

This morning in Asia Hong Kong Hang Seng rose 1.25%, or 273.51, to 22,105.13. The Nikkei rose 0.92%, or 168.06, to 18,354.16. Markets in China are on holiday.

Asian indices advanced with energy companies leading gains after the Energy Information Administration raised its 2015 global oil demand forecast.

Japanese shares rose driven by energy stocks too. However Bank of Japan's decision to keep its monetary policy unchanged was a negative factor today.