Asia-Pacific stock markets were relatively quiet Friday as investors awaited the April jobs report out of the U.S.

European stocks on Thursday closed near the lows of the day, with selling accelerating in the afternoon as U.S. stocks slumped at the start of their regular trading session, extending a downturn begun following the Federal Reserve's Wednesday policy update on inflation and economic health.

U.S. stocks closed lower on Thursday, although major indexes came off the day's lows following a breach of key support levels. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed flat at 23,930, although the 0.02% gain on the day was enough to avert a five-day losing streak.