Europe's main stock markets fell on Friday in downbeat pre-weekend trading before the outcome of a major eurozone ministers meeting aiming to agree a bailout for the Cyprus government, dealers said.

London shares closed in the red on Friday in downbeat pre-weekend deals before the outcome of a major eurozone ministers meeting that seeks to agree a bailout for the Cyprus government.

Japan's hard-charging prime minister on Friday said he wanted in on talks to forge a huge trade pact, the latest bold move from a man who says he is determined to lick the frail economy into shape.

Europe's main stock markets fell on Friday in downbeat pre-weekend deals before the outcome of a major eurozone ministers meeting that seeks to agree a bailout for the Cyprus government, dealers said.

Europe's main stock markets fell on Friday in downbeat pre-weekend deals before the outcome of a major European Union summit that seeks to agree a bailout for the Cyprus government, dealers said.

Asian markets were mixed on Friday following another strong lead from Wall Street, where traders took heart from more upbeat US jobs numbers.

Inflation in the 17-nation eurozone fell sharply in February to 1.8 percent, putting it below the European Central Bank's target rate for the first time in more than two years, official data showed on Friday.

Japan's hard-charging prime minister got his pick installed as central bank chief Friday, then readied to tackle the powerful farming lobby by committing the world's number three economy to pan-Pacific trade talks.

Japan's parliament on Friday approved a new central bank management team that is widely expected to support the government's demands for more action to stoke the world's third-biggest economy.

Japan's parliament on Friday confirmed the appointment of Haruhiko Kuroda as Bank of Japan governor, with the new central bank chief expected to launch aggressive easing to stoke the economy.

The Federal Reserve on Thursday cited weaknesses in the capital programs of top banks Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase, raising questions about their plans for dividends and share buybacks to reward investors.

Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty will unveil his next budget on March 21, he announced on Thursday.

The Federal Reserve on Thursday told Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase to revise their capital plans within months to address weaknesses, as it signed off on the plans of 16 of 18 major banks.

Asian markets mostly rose on Thursday, while the dollar climbed against the yen after Japan's parliament agreed the government's nominees to lead the Bank of Japan.

After nine months of stop-start negotiations, cash-strapped Cyprus is on the verge of securing an EU bailout but analysts say it will come at a hefty price.

India's inflation increased unexpectedly last month, data showed Thursday, tempering hopes of an interest rate cut next week after the central bank chief warned about rising prices.

The government's nominees to lead the Bank of Japan won approval from the lower house of parliament on Thursday, moving the trio a step closer to taking the top jobs at the central bank.

Australian monthly jobs growth hit a near 13-year high in February, an "extraordinary" result that helped keep the unemployment rate steady and eased pressure on the central bank to cut rates.

India's central bank chief has said "stubborn" inflation remains a major obstacle to growth in India, dimming expectations of an interest rate cut when policymakers meet next week.

Australia created seven times more jobs than expected in February, a surprise result that helped keep the unemployment rate steady and take pressure off the central bank to cut interest rates.