European stock markets lost steam Thursday and slid lower following a meeting by directors of the European Central Bank (ECB).

In New York, the Dow Jones index dipped as investors mulled mixed economic data on housing and jobs.

Asian and European markets welcomed Joe Biden's first day as US president with broad gains Thursday as investors looked forward with optimism about his economic and Covid-19 recovery plans.

Asian investors pushed markets higher again Wednesday as they await the swearing-in of Joe Biden, while they have taken heart from comments by Treasury nominee Janet Yellen as she looks to push through the new president's stimulus proposals.

Eurozone banks further tightened conditions for approving loans in the fourth quarter of 2020, a European Central Bank survey showed Tuesday, as a resurgence of Covid-19 clouded the outlook.

Optimism about the global economic recovery and vaccine rollouts trumped ongoing concerns about soaring virus infections Tuesday with most Asian markets clocking up big gains.

Cyprus went from record tourist arrivals in 2019 to one of its worst ever years, with visitor numbers plunging 84 percent amid Covid-19 restrictions, official data showed Monday.

Disneyland Paris, Europe's biggest tourist attraction, said Monday it now expects to reopen on April 2, seven weeks later than planned, because of the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.

An Italian woman who worked as a consultant for disgraced Cardinal Angelo Becciu, a former top Vatican official, is facing an "imminent" trial for embezzlement, prosecutors said Monday. 

Canada's transport ministry said Monday it has approved the Boeing 737 MAX to fly again in this country starting on Wednesday, ending a nearly two-year grounding following two deadly crashes.

European stock markets steadied Monday amid doubts over the passage of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden's flagship stimulus policy.