European shares edged ahead at the opening on Friday, with France’s CAC 40 the highlight as it breached the 7,000 mark for the first time.
The pan-European Stoxx 600m was up 0.11% in early trade while the French index outperformed with a 0.32% rise. Traders were also eyeing the release of the latest US non-farm payrolls report later Friday.
Investors have taken heart from ECB comments that interest rate rises have been put on hold and the surprise decision by the Bank of England not to raise its lending rate, despite signals to the contrary.
However, concerns about the Chinese property market and debt-laden developers have tempered enthusiasm for equities.
In company news, Polish e-commerce group Allegro gained 5% after the company agreed to buy Czech online retailer Mall Group for €881m to create a regional platform in what would be its first significant international deal.
Shares in British Airways, Aer Lingus and Iberia owner IAG fell as the company warned of a €3bn annual loss.
Shares in Polish grocery chain Dino Polska plunged 7.64% after third quarter net profits came in lower than expectations.
