European stocks shook off early weakness to close firmly higher Thursday, getting a boost from an upbeat session in the U.S. ahead of a key vote on a health-care bill.

U.S. stocks closed slightly lower on Thursday, with the Dow edging into negative territory to extending its losing streak to six sessions as a delay in a closely watched health-care vote raised questions about the Trump administration's ability to win passage of its ambitious legislative agenda.

Investors in Asia-Pacific equities regained some risk appetite Friday, despite a delay in Donald Trump's attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, as regional markets maintained cautious optimism ahead of a planned final vote.