European stocks closed in red on Friday after Fitch Ratings cut Spain's credit rating and German exports fell more than expected.
Japanese stocks extended gains on Thursday amid speculation lawmakers in the U.S., Europe and China will act to spur growth.
Swiss stocks closed in green on Thursday after China cut benchmark interest rate and the ECB said it will act if the economic outlook deteriorates.
U.K. service sector sustained pace of growth in May, compared to April. The Markit/Cips services purchasing managers' index (PMI) remained unchanged at 53.3, said the Markit research agency on Thursday. Reading above 50.0 indicates industry expansion.
The number of Americans claiming for unemployment benefits declined slightly to 377,000 in the week ended June 2 from 383,000 the week before, said the Department of Labor on Thursday.
Fitch Ratings downgraded Spain's long-term credit rating to BBB from A on Thursday, citing the cost of restructuring and high level of indebtedness.
Japanese shares rose by the most since the beginning of May on Wednesday.
Swiss stocks extended gains on Wednesday.
U.K. construction activity slowed to a three-month low in May. The purchasing managers index for the industry slid to 54.4 last month from 55.8 in April, showed a survey by Markit and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply.
U.S. stocks gained on Wednesday on speculation the Fed is talking about more quantitative easing.
The European Central Bank has kept its key rate unchanged at 1 per cent on Wednesday, despite worsening economic outlook in Eurozone.
Japanese shares closed in green on Tuesday on signs stocks were oversold.
Swiss stocks edged higher on Tuesday.
U.K. banks were closed on Tuesday in observance of the Spring Bank Holiday.
U.S. service sector expanded in May, a sign the largest part of the U.S. economy is weathering the debt crisis in Europe. The Institute for Supply Management's non-manufacturing index rose to 53.7 last month from 53.5 in April, said the group on Tuesday. Reading above 50.0 indicates industry expansion.
Eurozone services and manufacturing output contracted in May, adding to signs the economy is worsening. A composite index measuring activity in both industries declined to 46 from 46.7 in April, said Markit Economics on Tuesday.
Japanese stocks fell on Monday after a report showed unemployment in the U.S. rose.
Swiss stocks extended losses on Monday.
U.K. banks were closed on Monday in observance of the Spring Bank Holiday.
U.S. factory orders unexpectedly declined for a second consecutive month in April, pointing to a deceleration in manufacturing. Bookings retreated 0.6 per cent, Commerce department data showed on Monday.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is pressing for a central authority to control euro area finances, or so-called European finance ministry, and major new powers for the European Commission, European Parliament and European Court of Justice.
Japanese stocks extended losses on Friday after China's and U.S. economic data came out worse than economists had forecasted.
Swiss stocks closed lower on Friday.
U.K. manufacturing sector contracted in May, Markit data showed on Friday. The manufacturing purchasing managers' index slid to 45.9 from 50.2 in April. A reading below 50 signals contraction.