European shares opened lower on Monday, as surging commodity prices added to fears around a burgeoning energy crisis, while weak data from China kept concerns around slowing economic growth alive.
Japan's Nikkei share average rose on Thursday, tracking the Nasdaq overnight, with gains led by chip equipment maker Tokyo Electron and other heavyweight technology stocks.
Canada's main stock index rose for a seventh day on Thursday, reaching a level just short of its record high, boosted by stronger-than-expected corporate earnings and firm economic data as well as higher oil prices.