Investing.com - European stocks closed higher on Friday as bullish U.S. economic data eased euro zone crisis fears.
After the close of European trade, the EURO STOXX 50 climbed by 0.69%, France's CAC 40 gained 0.84%, while Germany's DAX 30 traded higher by 0.47%. Meanwhile, in the U.K. the FTSE 100 soared 1.02%.
U.S. durable good orders and new home sales surprised positively reinforcing the notion that the economy is improving.
In addition, U.S. new homes sales spiked to a 7 month high adding to the bullish stock fervor.
John Haynes from Investec Wealth & Investments stated to Bloomberg, "The U.S. is beginning to show signs of life. There is some positive momentum in the U.S. economy.
Oil and gas producers posted gains as crude oil moved towards its highest weekly gain in two months, with Total SA climbing 1.9% and BP adding 2.1%.
Wavin gained 22% on Mexichem raising its bid for the manufacturer by 11%.
U.S. stocks were lower across the board in midday trading with the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbing 0.62%, the S&P 500 advancing 0.48% and the Nasdaq 100 trading higher by 0.38%.
Trade is slow in front of the Christmas holiday weekend.
After the close of European trade, the EURO STOXX 50 climbed by 0.69%, France's CAC 40 gained 0.84%, while Germany's DAX 30 traded higher by 0.47%. Meanwhile, in the U.K. the FTSE 100 soared 1.02%.
U.S. durable good orders and new home sales surprised positively reinforcing the notion that the economy is improving.
In addition, U.S. new homes sales spiked to a 7 month high adding to the bullish stock fervor.
John Haynes from Investec Wealth & Investments stated to Bloomberg, "The U.S. is beginning to show signs of life. There is some positive momentum in the U.S. economy.
Oil and gas producers posted gains as crude oil moved towards its highest weekly gain in two months, with Total SA climbing 1.9% and BP adding 2.1%.
Wavin gained 22% on Mexichem raising its bid for the manufacturer by 11%.
U.S. stocks were lower across the board in midday trading with the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbing 0.62%, the S&P 500 advancing 0.48% and the Nasdaq 100 trading higher by 0.38%.
Trade is slow in front of the Christmas holiday weekend.