Investor confidence in the Eurozone dropped less than expected in August, said Germany's Sentix research institute on Monday. An index measuring sentiment retreated to minus 30.3 from 29.6 the prior month.
Japanese stocks edged higher on Monday after better than expected U.S. nonfarm payrolls eased concerns the world's largest economy is slowing.
Swiss stocks rose on Friday after a report showed the U.S. economy added more jobs than economists forecast.
U.K. service sector output only grew slightly in July from the prior month, according to a Markit survey. The Markit/Cips services purchasing managers' index (PMI) fell to 51 from 51.3 in June, said the company on Friday. Reading above 50.0 indicates industry expansion.
The U.S. economy created more jobs than economists forecast in July, easing concerns the economic recovery is faltering. Total nonfarm payrolls increased by 163,000, said the U.S. Department of Labor on Friday. The jobless rate rose to 8.3 per cent, the highest level since February.
The Eurozone retail sector growth slowed in June as consumers cut spending amid the economic slump. Sales rose 0.1 per cent, after adding 0.8 per cent in May, said the European Union's statistics office on Friday.
The number of Americans claiming for unemployment benefits rose less than economists forecast to 365,000 in the week ended July 28 from 357,000 the week before, said the Department of Labor on Thursday.
Japanese stocks closed lower on Friday after the ECB refrained from monetary policy easing.
Swiss stocks closed mixed on Thursday after the ECB failed to deliver bold measures to combat the crisis on Thursday.
The Bank of England left its key rate unchanged at a record low of 0.5 per cent and put asset purchases on hold at 375 billion pounds on Thursday.
Spain has successfully placed 3.13 billion euros of debt at an auction on Thursday, exceeding a target of 3 billion euros. The nation sold 10-year bonds at an average rate of 6.65 per cent and 2-year bonds at 4.77 per cent.
Japanese stocks gained on Thursday after the Fed pledge to support the economy should it deteriorate.
Swiss banks were closed on Wednesday in observance of Independence Day.
U.K. manufacturing sector contracted at its fastest pace since 2009 in July, showed Markit research agency data on Wednesday. The manufacturing purchasing managers' index slid to 45.4 from 48.4 in June.
U.S. manufacturing activity shrunk for a second month in July. The Institute for Supply Management's index for the manufacturing sector rose to 49.8 from 49.7 in June, said Arizona-based group on Wednesday. A reading below 50.0 indicates industry contraction.
Germany retained its top notch triple A credit rating with a stable outlook, said Standard & Poor's on Thursday, just over a week after Moody's Investor Service changed its outlook for the nation to negative.
Japanese stocks fell on Wednesday after a report showed China's manufacturing expanded less than forecast and company earnings missed estimates.
Swiss stocks broke a four-day winning streak on Tuesday after companies from BP Plc to UBS AG reported weaker than expected earnings.
U.K. consumer confidence remained at low levels in July, a sign government efforts to boost growth failed to lift consumer mood. An index of sentiment was unchanged from June at minus 29, said London-based research group GfK NOP Ltd.
U.S. consumer confidence unexpectedly rose in July as Americans became more optimistic on the nation's economic outlook, the Conference Board Inc. said on Tuesday. An index of sentiment increased to 65.9 from 62.7 in June.
Eurozone unemployment rate reached an upwardly revised 11.2 per cent in May and held at that level in June, said the European Union's statistics office on Tuesday. This is the highest level since creation of the currency bloc.
Japanese stocks climbed for a third day on Tuesday amid rumours the ECB and the Fed may ease monetary policy.
Swiss stocks rose for a fourth day amid hopes the ECB will take decisive action to ease euro area strains.
U.K. retail sales growth slowed in June to the lowest level since April, said the Confederation of British Industry on Monday. The index measuring sales dropped to 11 from 42 in June. Above 0 indicates higher sales volume, below indicates lower.