European stocks dropped Thursday, retreating for a second session as continuing U.S. political turmoil cast doubt on whether President Donald Trump's pro-economic growth policies will become reality.

U.S. stocks closed higher Thursday, following the previous session's brutal selloff, as positive data offered a glimmer of optimism and technology provided an additional fillip to the market.

Stock markets were mostly steady in the Asia-Pacific region on Friday following strong rebounds off session lows a day earlier and overnight gains on Wall Street. Investors continue to take a wait-and-see approach amid the week's developments, which were centered on U.S. politics but also included troubles in Brazil after asset prices there plunged on Thursday amid a scandal involving that country's president.