European shares closed off their lows on Wednesday after retail sales data in the U.S. was released.
Asian shares fell on Wednesday as investors took profits for a second straight session on concerns that the region's recent rally may be headed for a correction.
U.S. stock index futures struggled for direction Monday, following the Dow's rally to a record high, amid disappointing economic data from China and ongoing negotiations on the U.S. budget.
Tokyo and Sydney stocks jumped to new multi-year highs on Monday, lifted by Friday's stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs data, while other Asian markets lost ground as mixed economic data from China weighed on sentiment.
European shares were flat on Friday as talks over the "fiscal cliff" stalled.