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| - Most European stock markets rose Friday on growing evidence of economic recovery as Covid restrictions recede, dealers said. Frankfurt stocks gained 0.2 percent and Paris won 0.5 percent in early afternoon eurozone deals. London was however flat at midday with investors having priced in an expected surge in British retail sales as the UK economy gradually reopens from lockdown. Oil prices attempted to recover from this week's sharp selloff, while the euro firmed against the dollar. Investor sentiment brightened after survey data showed eurozone business activity is growing at its fastest rate in three years, as Europe's economy steadily reopens from months of Covid-19 restrictions. IHS Markit's Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) index said eurozone activity rose from 53.8 in April to a strong 56.9 in May, well above the 50-point level that indicates growth. The group also revealed that Britain's activity enjoyed record growth in May, jumping to 62.0 thanks to strength in manufacturing and services. "European bourses are moving broadly higher, extending strong gains from the previous session as optimism surrounding the economic outlook brightens," said analyst Sophie Griffiths at trading firm OANDA. "Covid cases on the continent are declining, lockdown restrictions are easing, and economic data is strengthening." She added that the region appeared to be mounting a "powerful rebound" from its Covid-induced recession. Asian equities fluctuated meanwhile, as investors battled to track a rally on Wall Street that came in response to another positive read on US jobless claims. Sentiment in the region continues to be torn between inflation fears and optimism over the economic recovery. Asia's week finished on a mixed note despite data showing the number of people applying for US unemployment benefits fell for a third straight week to a new pandemic-era low, reinforcing expectations the recovery was well on track, helped by huge government and central bank support. All three main indexes on Wall Street rallied, with investors for now putting aside their concerns that the expected surge in activity fuelled by reopenings and vaccines will cause prices to rocket and force the Federal Reserve to wind back its ultra-loose monetary policies. Oil prices rose after recent selling pressure that has come on the back of signs that the Iran nuclear deal could be back on. The European Union has talked up hopes that negotiations involving Russia, China and the United States can succeed. Indirect talks between Washington and Tehran have been taking place in Vienna since early April, with the other five countries signatory to the deal acting as intermediaries. Iran has said discussions are moving in the right direction, while a US official said they were "positive and we saw meaningful progress". Crude has been sold off therefore, as a fresh agreement would likely see Iran turning the taps back on, ramping up supplies on the world market. London - FTSE 100: FLAT at 7,016.04 points Frankfurt - DAX 30: UP 0.2 percent at 15,398.55 Paris - CAC 40: UP 0.5 percent at 6,377.00 EURO STOXX 50: UP 0.4 percent at 4,016.95 Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.8 percent at 28,317.83 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: FLAT at 28,458.44 (close) Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.6 percent at 3,486.56 (close) New York - Dow: UP 0.6 percent at 34,084.15 (close) Euro/dollar: UP at $1.2231 from $1.2228 at 2100 GMT on Thursday Pound/dollar: UP at $1.4221 from $1.4190 Euro/pound: DOWN at 85.97 pence from 86.16 pence Dollar/yen: DOWN at 108.64 yen from 109.22 yen Brent North Sea crude: UP 1.1 percent at $65.83 per barrel West Texas Intermediate: UP 1.3 percent at $62.74 per barrel dan-rfj/bcp/wai
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