Asian and European stocks are higher, helped by better-than-expected retail sales in the U.S. and as European leaders convene in Brussels for a two-day summit. The gains could set the basis for the S&P to make a fresh challenge on its all-time high later, and for the Dow to continue its record run. Japan +1.2%, Hong Kong +0.3%, China +0.3%, India +1%. EU Stoxx 50 +1%, London +0.4%, Paris +0.7%, Frankfurt +0.8%, Milan +1.3%, Madrid +1.1%.