Swiss stocks were little changed on Thursday.
U.K. manufacturing output fell by the most for 10 months in February, said the Office for National Statistics on Thursday. Factory output plunged 1 per cent from January, casting doubt on the nation's economic recovery.
The number of Americans claiming for unemployment benefits declined slightly to 357 thousand in the week ended March 31 from the week before, said the Department of Labor on Thursday.
Demand for Spain's debt tumbled on Wednesday and the nation only sold 2.59 billion euros of bonds, just above the minimum amount it planned. The average yield on five-year bonds rose to 4.319 percent from 3.376 percent the previous month.
Australia's unexpected trade deficit amid Federal Reserve's decision to abandon additional monetary stimulus sent the Nikkei 225 index 2.29% or 230.4 points lower to 9,819.99, the sharpest daily drop since November 2011.
Swiss stocks fell on Wednesday as Federal Reserve's last meeting minutes diluted hopes for extra monetary stimulus amid climbing Spanish borrowing costs. The Swiss benchmark index SMI shed 1.09% or 68.28 points to 6,190.38.
Halifax House Price Index has increased by 2.2% in March after a -0.4% contraction in February.
Federal Reserve policymakers believe that improving US economy reduces the need for further monetary accommodation, with reference to minutes of the central bank's March meeting.
Spain's cost of borrowing surged after the first auction since the country presented its austerity budget. Yields on 10-year sovereign bonds soared by 11 basis points to 5.52%. The country sold 2.6 billion Euros of debt, close to the minimum target, as demand weakened after effect of LTRO started to fade and concerns over Spain's financial position escalated.
Japanese stocks retreated on Tuesday.
Swiss stocks retreated on Tuesday as returns on Spanish government securities rose and U.S. factory orders increased less than forecast.
U.K. construction activity jumped to a 21-month high in March, reinforcing hopes that the economy has not slipped back into recession.
U.S. factory orders rose for the third month in February, boosted by desire for business equipment. Bookings increased 1.3 per cent, Commerce department data showed on Tuesday.
European stocks closed lower on Tuesday hit by concerns over Spain's ability to tackle its deficit.
Swiss stocks rose on Monday after a report showed U.S. manufacturing sector growth accelerated in March.
Japan's largest manufacturers remained pessimistic about the economic outlook in the first quarter, said the Bank of Japan on Monday. The Tankan large manufacturer index of sentiment was unchanged from minus 4 in December.
The U.K. manufacturing sector expanded at its fastest pace for 10 months in March, Markit data showed on Monday. The manufacturing purchasing managers' index advanced to 52.1 from 51.5 in February. A reading above 50 signals contraction.
U.S. manufacturing growth accelerated in March, the latest evidence the economy is gaining momentum. The Institute for Supply Management's purchasing managers' index climbed to 53.4 from 52.4 in February, said a trade group on Monday. Reading above 50.0 indicates industry expansion.
Euro zone unemployment rose to the highest since 1998, a sign the economy has slipped into recession. Unemployment increased to 10.8 per cent, said the European statistical agency on Monday.
Euro zone finance ministers agreed Friday to increase lending capacity of the temporary European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) and the permanent European Stability Mechanism (ESM) to 700 billion euros.
New orders for long-lasting U.S. factory goods rose less than forecast in February, a sign the economic recovery is facing hurdles. Durable goods orders increased 2.2 per cent from January, said the Commerce Department on Wednesday.
European stocks edged lower for a second day after European Central Bank Governing Council member Jens Weidmann said expansion of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) wouldn't help to solve the debt crisis.
Japan's industrial output unexpectedly declined in February. Production contracted 1.2 per cent, compared to January, said the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on Friday.
Swiss stocks ended Friday's session higher after euro zone finance ministers agreed to boost the bloc's bailout lending limit to 700 billion euros.