NEW YORK: Global shares edged up yesterday, with a European benchmark at a 15-month closing high as tension surrounding the euro zone's debt crisis eased further.

Italy sold a whopping 18 billion euros in its "biggest result ever for a single bond sale" according to a Treasury spokesman, while Spain paid the least since February to borrow over 10 years.

The euro eased slightly against the dollar, but the single currency hit a five-month high against the yen in what has been a strong run as expectations grow that Spain will ask for financial aid before long.

Wall Street slipped after Google shares tumbled more than 10 percent following its quarterly results, adding to caution after a rise in weekly jobless claims. However, the benchmark S&P 500 remains within striking distance of its 2012 closing high of 1,465.77.

US stocks got support early in the session from Verizon Communications after it said revenue was slightly above expectations, while another Dow component, Travelers, posted operating earnings that were much stronger than expected.

But the gains faded by midday.

Data showing China likely hit the bottom of a seven-quarter-long economic downturn helped major averages in Asia and gave support to global equities.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 0.80 points, or 0.01 percent, at 13,557.80. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index was down 2.13 points, or 0.15 percent, at 1,458.78. The Nasdaq Composite Index was down 24.35 points, or 0.78 percent, at 3,079.77.

The benchmark 10-year US Treasury note was up 2/32, with the yield at 1.8132 percent.

The FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares rose 0.17 percent to close at its highest since early July 2011. An MSCI index of global stocks edged up 0.1 percent and was on track to close at its highest since mid September.

The dollar climbed to a two-month high against the yen after the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia said its index of business conditions in the US Mid-Atlantic region rose in October to 5.7 from -1.9 in September.

The euro also weakened against the greenback as the US job market data overshadowed favorable demand at a Spanish bond sale.

The single currency fell 0.1 percent on the day to $1.3108, not too far from Wednesday's one-month peak of $1.3139. Traders reported large option expiries at $1.3100, which may influence trade, keeping the euro close to that level.