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European stocks were modestly higher on Friday as investors looked ahead to discussions between the U.S. and China scheduled for this weekend. <\/p>\n
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the meetings with China on trade and economic issues could be “very substantive” and lead to tariff reductions. <\/p>\n
Elsewhere, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CNBC that dozens of trade deals will be rolled over the next month, but a 10 percent tariff imposed on most countries will likely stay.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, a day after the U.K. announced a historic deal with the U.S., BoE Governor Andrew Bailey told the BBC that Britain needs to rebuild its trading relationship with the European Union.<\/p>\n
The pan European STOXX 600 was up 0.4 percent at 537.85 after rising 0.4 percent on Thursday. <\/p>\n
The German DAX and France’s CAC 40 both climbed around 0.6 percent while the U.K.’s FTSE 100 was up 0.4 percent. <\/p>\n
British Airways owner IAG rallied 2.2 percent after announcing it has ordered up to 76 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft.<\/p>\n
Aker ASA, Norwegian industrial investment firm, gained 1 percent after saying NAV rose to NOK 61.9 billion as of March 31 from NOK 58.2 billion at the end of 2024.<\/p>\n
German lender Commerzbank added nearly 2 percent on reporting record quarterly earnings. <\/p>\n
Packaging manufacturer Krones AG rose more than 2 percent after reporting a 15 percent jump in Q1 profit. <\/p>\n
Swiss hearing aids maker Sonova surged almost 5 percent after it forecast higher sales and profitability for its 2025\/26 fiscal year. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n