BBC news with Marion Marshall. The US president elect Donald Trump has defeated rival Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have all appealed for unity following the most divisive election campaigns. Mrs. Clinton said her loss had been painful, but she hoped Mr. Trump would be a successful president for all Americans. She said those whose hopes had been dashed owed him the chance to lead and she urged her followers to defend the values of the constitution, the rule of law, equality and respect for institutions. Her remarks were echoed by president Obama, who said that although he had significant differences with Mr. Trump, he would work as hard as he could to ensure a successful transition between the two administrations. The Republican speaker of the US House of Representatives Paul Ryan has hailed Donald Trump's victory as the most incredible political feat he’s seen in his lifetime. Mr. Ryan said the Republican Party's strong showing in congressional elections were thanks in no small part to the president elect. Donald Trump himself has said his immediate priorities are restoring the country's infrastructure and doubling its economic growth. But on the campaign trail, he promised to repeal many of the changes introduced by President Obama including healthcare reform and measures to fight climate change. European leaders have expressed reservations about what a Trump presidency will mean. The president of the European council Donald Tusk said what happened in America should be treated as a warning sign for all who believe in liberal democracy. He stressed, however, that Europe and America had no option but to cooperate as closely as possible. After the initial shock of election result, stock markets in the US and Europe have reacted favorably to Mr. Trump's victory. The Dow Jones Industrial average in New York is up almost 1%.After early falls, some European markets have fully recovered and now trading higher. BBC news.