LONDON (Reuters) – World stocks held steady near a 5-1/2 month high on Friday as investors anticipated an imminent conclusion to Greek debt talks while lower Spanish bond yields and a fall in Italy’s six-month borrowing costs also supported the euro.

EU Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn said talks with private creditors on restructuring Greek debt are “very close” to closing. Athens needs a deal to secure further international aid and so avert a disorderly default when a major bond redemption falls due in March.

LONDON (Reuters) – World stocks fell from a 5-1/2 month high on Friday as gains spurred by the Federal Reserve’s pledge of low interest rates gave way to concerns about Portugal, seen as the next domino in the euro zone crisis, and uncertainty over Greek debt talks.

Portuguese five- and 10-year government bond yields were set to remain under pressure after hitting euro-era highs on Thursday as fears grow that the country may follow Greece in requiring another bailout or seeking to restructure its debt.