Investing.com - Global stock markets rallied as investors digested the minutes of the Federal Reserve's October meeting.
Fed Vice Chairman Stanley Fischer and Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart were both to speak later in the day.
The U.S. was to release data on initial jobless claims, as traders looked for further indications on the strength of the economy.
Best Buy (N:BBY) saw shares fall sharply in pre-market trade on Thursday after Q3 revenue fell, while Gap (N:GPS) earnings were due after the bell.
Profit taking sent the dollar lower as investors locked in profits from the greenback's rally to seven-month highs.