DAX Set for 2nd Weekly Advance

Frankfurt's DAX rose 0.4% to trade around 23,980 on Friday, the highest in over three weeks, on track to post a second consecutive weekly gains.Economic data from both sides of the Atlantic, corporate updates and geopolitics remained in focus.Market sentiment remained largely supported by expectations of a Fed rate cut next week, with September’s US PCE inflation data potentially playing a decisive role in shaping the Federal Reserve’s policy stance.

European equities open marginally higher to start the final day of the week

Eurostoxx +0.1%Germany DAX +0.2%France CAC 40 +0.1%UK FTSE flatSpain IBEX +0.2%Italy FTSE MIB flatIt's a steadier start to the day with US futures also holding just a little higher for now. The mood music in stocks look to be one that is calmer, with less volatility and drama so far in early December trading. Spain's benchmark index is looking to hold at record highs while the DAX and CAC 40 will be hoping to hold slight gains in rounding off this week.

Germany's October seasonally adjusted factory orders year-on-year -0.7%, expected -2.4%, previous value -4.3%

Auto Stocks Drive German DAX Index Higher Amid Planned US Fuel Rule Changes

Auto Stocks Drive German DAX Index Higher Amid Planned US Fuel Rule Changes

European indices close with gains across the board

European indices closed higher, led by Spain's Ibex (+0.97%) and Germany's DAX (+0.85%). US indices were mixed, with the Dow slightly down (-0.03%) and NASDAQ up (+0.19%). US yields rose after strong jobless claims data, but the Fed is expected to cut rates next week. Crude oil and gold prices increased, while silver and Bitcoin fell.