European stocks finished flat on Wednesday, backing off their highest levels in more than a year as investors readied for potential signs that borrowing costs are about to rise in the world's largest economy, the U.S. On Wednesday, Germany's closely watched Ifo business climate index came in above expectations, with a reading of 111.0 in February, compared with a 109.5 estimate, according to Dow Jones Newswires.

U.S. stocks finished mostly lower on Wednesday, but that didn't stop the Dow Jones Industrial Average from posting its ninth straight record close -- its longest such streak since Jan. 20, 1987.

Stock markets across Asia were broadly lower early Thursday, following lackluster performance on Wall Street overnight, as investors digested the latest Federal Reserve meeting minutes. Markets have mostly drifted this week, seeing short-term moves ahead of key events before correcting as the muted impact wanes.