UK and European markets closed lower as investors wrap up a lacklustre first trading week of the new quarter.
The dollar strengthened after data showed U.S. employers hired far more workers than expected in March, potentially delaying anticipated interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve this year.
Oil prices extended gains, supported by geopolitical tensions in Europe and the Middle East, concerns over tightening supply, and optimism about global fuel demand growth as economies improve.
Gold prices gained following better-than-expected U.S. non-farm payrolls data as well as strong safe-haven inflows.
Credit data firm Experian has agreed to buy Illion, one of the leading consumer and commercial credit bureaus in Australia and New Zealand, for up to AUD820m (£427.2m).
Experian noted in a press release late on Thursday that a series of regulatory reforms in Australia have introduced comprehensive and positive data and open data services and have widened the array of data assets, scores and analytical insights being adopted by banks and other institutions.
"This has enhanced appetite for analytical tools and data-driven services, expanding our addressable market opportunity," it said.
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