Russian markets are likely to continue their downward trend on Friday weighed by negative data from the eurozone and China. ­Russian stock markets fell on Thursday, marking a sixth day of declines amid the lack of new drivers at home and abroad. The RTS lost 2%, while the MICEX dropped 1.44%. Almost all shares were on sale with energy company OGK-5 (+0.81), Norilsk Nickel (+0.56%) and KAMAZ car producer (+0.69%) showing better results. US stocks dropped Thursday with energy and natural-resource stocks among decliners. The Dow Jones fell 0.6%, while the S&P dropped 0.7% and the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.4%. Even positive data from the Labor Department revealing applications for jobless benefits last week had dropped to a four-year low failed to cheer up investors. A report on new house purchases for February will be published later on Friday. European stocks closed lower Thursday amid weaker-than-expected purchasing managers` indices from France and Germany and data showing a sharp decline in Chinese manufacturing activity. Germany`s manufacturing PMI fell back at 49.1 from 50.2 in February, while French manufacturing PMI dropped to 47.6 from 50.0. The Stoxx Europe 600 closed 1.2% lower at 265.49 for the fourth day in the row, while Germany`s DAX 30 closed 1.27% lower and France`s CAC 40 dropped 1.56%. Asia markets fell Friday amid concerns on manufacturing slowdown, with Hong Kong`s banks and property firms among weak performers. Japan`s Nikkei Stock fell 1%, while the Shanghai Composite shed 0.5% and Hong Kong`s Hang Seng dropped 0.9%. South Korea`s Kospi declined 0.3%, and Australia`s S&P/ASX 200 index fell 0.2%.