International companies trading in New York closed fractionally higher Thursday, outperforming the broader markets, as a round of disappointing economic data offset strong earnings from blue chips and the Federal Reserve's pledge to hold down interest rates.

The Bank of New York Index of ADRs gained 0.1% to 128.10, held in positive territory by corporate results from Europe.

Nokia Corp. (NOK, NOK1V.HE), the world's largest handset maker by volume, posted fourth-quarter results that beat market expectations despite swinging to a loss on charges and write-downs. The Finnish company's shares gained 2.5% to $5.40.

Globally diversified mining company Anglo American PLC (AAUKY, AAL.LN) said its production of nickel contained in ferronickel, a raw material used in stainless steelmaking, more than doubled in the fourth quarter after the start-up of new installations in Brazil. Shares added 1.5% to $21.42.

The European index climbed 0.3% to 117.36.

Struggling French retailer Carrefour SA (CRRFY, CA.FR) is in the home stretch of hiring clothing executive Georges Plassat to replace Chief Executive Lars Olofsson, according to people close to the situation. Plassat could sign on to replace Olofsson as early as next week, according to these people. Shares rose 5.1% to $4.72.

But shares in Logitech International SA (LOGI, LOGN.VX) dived 12% to $7.20 after the computer peripherals maker issued its fourth profit warning in 12 months. The world's largest maker of computer mice lowered its full-year sales and operating profit outlook for its 2012 fiscal year, which ends March 31.

The Latin American index slipped 0.9% to 371.74.

The transportation arm of Brazilian state energy company Petroleo Brasileiro S/A (PBR, PETR4.BR), or Petrobras, reported an oil leak at its Osorio terminal in Rio Grande do Sul state, Transpetro said in a statement Thursday. Petrobras's shares dropped 1.9% to $31.21.

Brazilian mining giant Vale SA (VALE, VALE5.BR) said late Wednesday it faces a tax bill of BRL9.8 billion ($5.6 billion), plus penalties and interest, after "unfavorable rulings" at the administrative level. The company said in an email that it plans to appeal to delay payment of the tax on income at its foreign subsidiaries until the case goes to trial. Shares fell 1.6% to $24.64.

The Asian index closed 0.2% lower at 125.09, and the emerging markets index dropped 0.5% to 305.90.

Chinese solar companies provided a ray of light with China Sunergy Co. (CSUN), whose shares soared 13% to $2.25, leading the gains. Peer ReneSola Ltd. (SOL) jumped 8.9% to $2.32. But those gains couldn't prevent both indexes from finishing in the red.

Taiwanese semiconductor company Silicon Motion Technology Corp.'s (SIMO) shares plunged 9.9% to $20.93 after SanDisk Corp. (SNDK)--which makes flash memory for smartphones, tablets and other devices--provided soft guidance for first-quarter and full-year revenue. Needham & Co. said Silicon Motion could have some risk for weakness based on SanDisk's commentary.

Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd. (HMY, HAR.JO) said an employee was fatally injured Wednesday following an accident at shaft bottom at its Doornkop mine near Randfontein. Operations have been stopped until such time as all investigations into the accident have been completed, sending the South African miner's shares down 1.7% to $11.82.

-By Ian Thomson, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2314; ian.thomson@dowjones.com