This was a live blog from CNBC covering European markets.
European markets opened lower on Friday as investors wrapped up a lackluster first trading week of the new quarter.
The pan-European Stoxx 600 index fell 1% in early trading, with all sectors in the red except oil and gas trading. Travel and leisure stocks fell 2% and financial services fell 1.5%.
The market has struggled to gain momentum this week, with the Stoxx 600 index ending slightly higher on Thursday.
During Friday’s trading, investors will scrutinize the latest data on eurozone construction and retail sales, as well as UK house prices. French food service company Sodexo also reports.
Asia-Pacific markets fell on Friday as Japan’s Nikkei stock average fell, after comments from US Federal Reserve officials raised concerns that the central bank could postpone interest rate cuts. led and fell.
U.S. stock futures also fell on the comments, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average having its worst trading day in more than a year on Thursday.
CNBC Pro: Most analysts raise their price targets for these 6 stocks, giving 1 stock 82% upside potential
Analysts became more bullish on six global stocks this week, raising their price targets.
The price target change comes ahead of the next earnings season, which covers the first quarter of this year.
CNBC Pro selects global stocks that have received price target increases from five or more analysts in the past seven days and have upside potential of more than 25%.
CNBC Pro subscribers can read more about the six stocks here.
— Ganesh Rao
CNBC Pro: From Nvidia to Boeing: Portfolio managers reveal their favorite stocks right now
Portfolio manager Barbara Dolan revealed some of her favorite stocks and reiterated her bullish outlook for the broader stock market.
“People are reluctant to buy into this bull market because of years of deep skepticism,” he told CNBC. “But this is what bull markets do: They make new highs.” he said.
Her top companies include top-performing Nvidia and struggling aerospace giant Boeing.
CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here.
— Amara Balakrishna
European Market: Click here for opening call
European markets are expected to trade mixedly on Friday.
According to IG data, the UK’s FTSE 100 index is expected to open 38 points higher at 7,975, Germany’s DAX rises 35 points to 18,403, France’s CAC falls 2 points to 8,151 and Italy’s FTSE MIB is expected to drop 26 points to 34,454.
Investors will be keeping an eye on the latest data on UK home sales, as well as eurozone retail sales and construction.
— Karen Gilchrist
