•European stocks closed lower on Thursday as traders reacted to comments from the chair of the Federal Reserve, a Bank of England monetary policy statement, corporate earnings and disappointing data from the euro zone.
The pan-European Euro Stoxx 600 Index ended the session 0.6% lower. All major bourses and most sectors were in negative territory at the closing bell.
•Asian stock markets stayed within tight ranges on Friday amid thin holiday trade and as investors awaited the release of key U.S. jobs data and other directional cues.
Hong Kong stocks climbed 0.4 percent, the Australian market gained 0.1 percent, while Korea’s KOSPI slipped 0.5 percent and New Zealand shares eased 0.3 percent. China and Japan remained closed for holidays and will re-open on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.
Reference: Reuters, CNBC