With little news coming out overnight, investors were left looking ahead to Europe, where euro-zone second-quarter flash growth data are scheduled to be released later in the global day, and to the U.S., where retail sales figures will be examined to assess the health of the world's largest economy.

WSJ: Asian Shares Rise Ahead of Data

The economic announcements out of the euro zone proved inconsequential today with Flash PMI figures for Services and Manufacturing in France, Germany and the entire Euro area coming in right in line with expectations.

FORBES: Portugal's Debt Raise Should Bolster Euro

In Navevo's case the data will be used to flash a warning symbol on its sat-nav maps when a driver approaches a "warning zone" with a 50m (164ft) radius circle drawn around the area.

BBC: Navevo sat-nav offers cyclist alerts to lorry drivers