This was CNBC’s live blog covering European markets.
European markets look set for a mixed open on Friday as investors wrap up a lackluster first trading week of the new quarter.
Markets have struggled to gain traction this week, with the Stoxx 600 index closing just slightly higher Thursday.
During Friday’s session, investors will digest fresh data on euro zone construction and retail sales, as well as U.K. house prices. French food services company Sodexo will also report.
Markets in Asia-Pacific moved lower Friday, led by declines for Japan’s Nikkei 225, after comments from U.S. Federal Reserve officials fueled worries that the central bank could hold off on rate cuts.
U.S. stock futures also turned lower on the comments, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average having notched its worst trading day in more than a year Thursday.
CNBC Pro: Loads of analysts just hiked price targets for these 6 stocks — giving one 82% upside
Analysts have become more bullish on six stocks from around the world this week, raising their price targets.
The price target changes come ahead of the next earnings season covering the first quarter of this year.
CNBC Pro screened for global stocks that have received price target upgrades from five or more analysts in the past seven days and have a potential upside of over 25%.
CNBC Pro subscribers can read more about the six stocks here.
— Ganesh Rao
CNBC Pro: From Nvidia to Boeing: Portfolio manager reveals the stocks she’s loving on right now
Portfolio manager Barbara Doran has revealed a number of her favorite stocks, reiterating a bullish outlook on the stock market more broadly.
“People are reluctant to embrace this bull market after a couple of years of deep skepticism. But this is what bull markets do. They make new highs,” she told CNBC.
Her top picks include top-performer Nvidia, embattled aerospace giant Boeing and more.
CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here.
— Amala Balakrishner
European markets: Here are the opening calls
European markets are set for a mixed open on Friday.
The U.K.’s FTSE 100 index is expected to open 38 points higher at 7,975, Germany’s DAX up 35 points at 18,403, France’s CAC 2 points lower at 8,151 and Italy’s FTSE MIB down 26 points at 34,454, according to data from IG.
Investors will be keeping an eye out for fresh data on euro zone retail sales and construction, as well as U.K. home sales.
— Karen Gilchrist
