European stocks ended sharply lower on Tuesday, as several major companies turned in disappointing financial results and as investors fretted over the U.S. presidential election. "An initial boost from positive Chinese economic data fizzled out on Tuesday as attention turned to the rising possibility of a Trump presidency," said Jasper Lawler, market analyst at CMC Markets, in a note.

U.S. stocks extended losses on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 recording its longest losing streak in five years after the Federal Reserve, as expected, kept interest rates unchanged.

Asian markets edged up Thursday as Chinese and Australian markets were lifted by positive economic news. However, uncertainty about the outcome about the U.S. presidential race continues to keep traders on edge in Asia. Activity in China's service sector expanded at a faster pace in October, a private gauge showed Thursday, adding to recent signs of firmness in China's economy. The Caixin China services purchasing managers index rose to 52.4 in October from 52.0 in September.