World stocks scale two-year highs; oil firm

PARIS :World stocks hit their highest level since September 2008 on Thursday while oil held near a two-year peak as favourable US data reinforced expectations economic growth will retain momentum into next year.
Wednesday s upwardly revised data showing the U. S economy expanded at 2. 6 percent in the third quarter, coupled with recent retail sales figures, pointed to firmer economic activity in the world s largest economy. Stronger banking stocks helped the S&P 500 index hit its highest level since the collapse of Lehman Brothers