Business news for Mon, 31 Dec 2007 & with words shares+stock. 4 news.

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Nasdaq Stock Market Inc. has received clearance from The Committee on Foreign Investment for Borse Dubai's investment in Nasdaq, the New York-based exchange said Monday. The approval paves the way for Nasdaq to proceed with its purchase of Stockholm-based OMX AB and allows Borse Dubai to transfer its OMX shares to Nasdaq once its stake in OMX reaches at least 67%, Nasdaq said. Nasdaq had originally announced the approval on Friday but withdrew the announcement, noting that it was distributed in error.

AFP - Europe's main stock markets fell in shortened trade on Monday -- the final dealing day of a year in which gains for equities have been curtailed by worries about the troubled US economy.

Pakistan's main stock market index falls 4.7% in the first trading since the death of Benazir Bhutto.

Investors in Japanese shares may find hope in the new year as cheap stock prices could overcome worries about the yen and weak corporate governance.