The euro zone retail sector expanded in January, compared to the previous month. Retail sales rose 0.3 per cent, after declining 0.5 per cent in December, announced the European statistical agency (Eurostat) on Monday.
Japanese household spending fell 2.3 per cent in January from the same period last year and unemployment rose by 0.1 per cent to 4.6 per cent, showed the government data on Friday.
Swiss stocks gained on Friday despite the fact that the European Central Bank overnight deposits soared after the bank allotted 529.5 billion euros in long-term refinancing operation.
The Markit/CIPS purchasing managers' index for construction jumped to 54.3 in February, the highest since last March, from 51.4 in January, said the Markit research agency on Friday.
U.S. stocks fell on Friday amid global growth concerns.
All but two of the European Union leaders Friday signed a treaty to adopt strict new rules on national deficits and debts. Only Britain and the Czech Republic did not sign the agreement.
Japanese stocks declined on Thursday as the yen edged higher, dimming the outlook for exporters.
Swiss stocks rose on Thursday, led by Adecco S.A., world leader company in the human resources. The company gained 8.5 per cent after announcing better than expected fourth quarter financial results.
U.K. manufacturing grew for a second month in February, adding to signs the economy could avoid recession this quarter. The factory gauge, based on a survey by Markit Economics and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, fell to 51.2 from 52.0 in January, said Markit on Thursday.
The number of Americans claiming for unemployment benefits declined slightly to 351 thousand in the week ended February 25 from the week before, said the Department of Labor on Thursday.
Euro area manufacturing contracted for a seventh consecutive month, said the Institute for Supply Management on Thursday. An index measuring manufacturing activity rose to 49 in February from 48.8 in January. Above 50.0 indicates industry expansion, below indicates contraction.
Japan's industrial production grew more than expected in January amid higher demand for automobiles and telecommunications devices. Output rose two per cent, said the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Swiss stocks declined on Wednesday.
U.K. mortgage approvals rose to 59 thousand in January, the highest level in more than two years, announced the British Banker's Association on Wednesday.
The U.S. economy expanded at a faster pace than expected, adding to signs the recovery is gaining steam. Gross domestic product grew three per cent in the fourth quarter, announced the Bureau of Economic Analysis on Wednesday.
The European Central Bank Wednesday allotted 529.5 billion euros in cheap three-year loans to 800 lenders in effort to boost the euro-area economy.
Japan year-on-year retail sales advanced 1.9 per cent in January, after increasing 2.5 per cent in December, announced the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on Tuesday. Sales were boosted by surge in demand for cars.
Swiss stocks declined on Tuesday after Ireland said it will hold a referendum on EU fiscal treaty and a report showed U.S. durable goods fell more than expected.
Retail sales index in the U.K. rose in February, said the Confederation of British Industry on Tuesday. The gauge measuring sales edged higher to -2 from -22 in January. Above 0 indicates higher sales volume, below indicates lower.
U.S. consumer confidence rose to one year high in February as consumers became more optimistic on the outlook of the country's economy, the Conference Board Inc. said on Tuesday. An index of sentiment advanced to 70.8 points from 61.5 points in January.
Economic confidence in the single currency bloc rose more than expected in February, a sign the economy is recovering after a contraction in the fourth quarter.
U.K. house prices stagnated in February, compared to January, said the Hometrack Ltd., London-based property research company on Monday. The number of potential buyers soared 18 per cent from the previous month.
Month on month sales of previously owned houses rose more than expected in January, a sign the housing market is recovering. The index of pending home resales rose 2 per cent, after declining 1.9 per cent in December, said the National Association of Realtors.
Pavlos Yeroulanos, Cultural & Tourism Minister of Greece, said that the latest bailout agreement could be "destroyed" by statements which criticize Greek efforts to deal with debt crisis.