Asian stock markets were mixed in early trading Thursday, as dovish news from the Fed was overshadowed by growing trade concerns, particularly after reports that the Trump administration was weighing new tariffs of up to 25% on auto imports.

European stocks closed sharply lower on Wednesday, weighed by the return of geopolitical concerns after comments by U.S. President Donald Trump and a round of disappointing eurozone data.

U.S. stocks rallied in late trade to close higher Wednesday, after the minutes from the Federal Reserve's May 2 meeting confirmed that policy makers support a June rate increase and are maintaining a calm attitude about the inflation outlook.