Article Photos: Stocks fluctuate amid China data, US budget talks

People walk by an electronic stock board of a securities firm in Tokyo, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012. Asian stock markets rose Thursday with the help of Japan's Nikkei 225, which was propelled higher by a weakening yen. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)

People walk by an electronic stock board of a securities firm in Tokyo, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012. Asian stock markets rose Thursday with the help of Japan's Nikkei 225, which was propelled higher by a weakening yen. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)