U.S. layoff announcements rose 3% last month to the highest level in 11 months as automation-related restructuring continues to take a toll, a report released on Thursday said.

The U.S. trade deficit widened sharply in January amid a jump in goods imports, a trend that if it persists could see trade subtracting from economic growth this quarter.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits was unchanged last week as the labor market continued to gradually ease, which could give the Federal Reserve room to wait before cutting interest rates this year.

U.S. homebuying sentiment rose for a third consecutive month in February largely because a growing view among current homeowners that now is a good time to sell their house could bode well for a much-needed uptick in home listings.

Asian stocks rose to a seven-month peak on Friday, tracking global peers as investors cheered the prospect of an imminent rate easing cycle led by major central banks, keeping the dollar and Treasury yields under pressure.

Oil prices rose on Friday, driven by growing demand in the United States and China, the world's biggest oil consumers, and as the U.S. Federal Reserve gave a positive signal on possibility of rate cuts.