·         European markets traded in negative territory on Thursday as investors remained cautious in the face of Brexit and Italy budget difficulties in Europe, and wider geopolitical tensions.

By the end of trade, the pan-European Stoxx 600 was down 0.65 percent, with all major country indexes in negative territory.

·         Stocks in Asia traded cautiously Friday morning as investors remained wary about uncertainties around the U.K.'s negotiations to leave the European Union as well as heightened tensions between the United States and China.

South Korea's Kospi was fractionally lower in early trade, with shares of industry heavyweight Samsung Electronics slipping 0.24percent while chipmaker SK Hynix fell 0.58 percent.

·         Japan's markets are closed today for a public holiday.

Reference: Reuters, CNBC