European shares closed higher on Thursday afternoon after stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs data.
Asian shares ended mostly lower on Thursday, paring initial gains as investors cashed in their chips following recent rallies with demand also capped by caution ahead of Chinese data on Friday.
European shares ended mostly flat on Wednesday, bouncing off intraday lows as many investors used the early dip to boost their exposure to equities.
European shares were flat on Friday as talks over the "fiscal cliff" stalled.