European stock markets rose for the first time in four sessions on Tuesday, aided by a round of well-received earnings reports, including results from oil giant BP PLC and telecom company Orange SA.

U.S. stocks rose on Wednesday as the Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged even as it reiterated that it is monitoring global economic developments. However, its statement also focused on improvements in the U.S. labor market and in household income.

The Bank of Japan left its main policy unchanged Thursday, brushing aside calls for more stimulus from the markets, but it introduced a measure offering aid to areas devastated by recent earthquakes. The central bank kept its asset purchase target at 80 trillion yen ($718 billion) a year, a measure aimed at putting more money into circulation to stimulate growth and inflation. The BOJ's policy board voted 8-1 in favor of maintaining the target.

Based on MarketWatch materials