Forexpros – European stocks traded higher near the close of trade Friday, as economic optimism driven by hopes of central bank intervention lifted shares despite negative U.S. economic numbers.
Near the close of trade, EURO STOXX 50 added 1.50%, the FTSE 100 advanced 0.36%, the CAC 40 moved higher by 1.83% and Germany’s DAX soared 1.54%.
Stocks moved higher on the session as investors became optimistic that central banks will move to add liquidity to downtrodden euro zone markets after Sunday’s critical Greek elections.
Dampening equity sentiment in the U.S., UoM consumer sentiment fell more-than-expected last month, preliminary data showed on Friday.
In a report, the University of Michigan said that consumer sentiment fell to a seasonally adjusted 74.1, from 79.3 in the preceding month.
Analysts had expected UoM consumer sentiment to fall to 77.5 last month.
In additional stock negative news, U.S. industrial production fell unexpectedly last month, official data showed on Friday.
Meanwhile, U.S. TIC long term purchases rose less-than-expected last month, official data showed on Friday.
In a report, Department of the Treasury said that U.S. TIC long term purchases rose to a seasonally adjusted 25.6B, from 36.0B in the preceding month whose figure was revised down from 36.2B.
Analysts had expected U.S. TIC long term purchases to rise 45.3B last month.
In a report, the Federal Reserve said that industrial production fell to -0.1%, from 1.0% in the preceding month whose figure was revised down from 1.1%.
Lenders soared on the session with Royal Bank of Scotland and Barclay’s up solidly on the session.
The world’s second largest retailer, Carefour, advanced over 4% after agreeing to sell its share in a Greek joint venture.
Carmaker Fiat added 3% on cost cutting measures.
Randgold Resources advanced nearly 2% on a Goldman Sachs upgrade.
In the U.S., stocks followed higher with the Dow up 0.54%, the S&P 500 higher by 0.43% and the tech heavy Nasdaq ahead by 0.63%.
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