On Friday, European stock indices showed mixed trends, as hopes for further stimulus measures by the European Central Bank support the stock market, while the security concerns in Europe continue to pressure.
During European morning trade, EURO STOXX 50 fell 0.13%, French CAC 40 lost 0.04%, while Germany's DAX 30 added 0.13%.
European stock market rose after the minutes of the October meeting of European Central Bank indicated that downside risks of inflation in the Eurozone increased again.
Most of the Governing Council members endorsed the view that the downside risks of inflation have increased, and expects that the timing of achieving the target mark is likely to be revised once again.
The central bank reiterated that it is ready to act if necessary, and intends to review its policy in the upcoming meeting on December 3.
Investors continue to remain cautious amid fears that terrorist attacks are still possible on Friday.
In the banking sector there was a decrease, as shares of French lenders – BNP Paribas (PA: BNPP) and Societe Generale (PA: SOGN) fell 0.44% and 0.54%, while shares of Germany's Commerzbank (DE: CBKG) and Deutsche Bank (DE: DBKGn) lost 0.01% and 0.74%.
Among other lenders of Europe, in Italy, shares of Unicredit (MI: CRDI) and Intesa Sanpaolo (MI: ISP) fell 0.95% and 1.18% respectively. Shares of Spanish bank Banco Santander (MC: SAN) and BBVA (MC: BBVA) rose 0.46% and 0.63%.
Shares of Volkswagen (DE: VOWG_p) dropped by 0.69%, as there is expected the automaker's statement at the end of the scheduled meeting of the supervisory board.
British stock index FTSE 100 rose 0.10%, boosted by growth in the mining sector.
Shares of Rio Tinto (L: RIO) rose 0.74% and BHP Billiton (L: BLT) rose 1.10%, while shares of Anglo American (L: AAL) and Glencore (L: GLEN) climbed 1.31% and 1.86% respectively.
Meanwhile, financial stocks showed a decline. Shares of Royal Bank of Scotland (L: RBS) fell 0.44%, shares of Lloyds Banking (L: LLOY) fell 0.71%, and shares of Barclays (L: BARC) fell 1.98%. Shares of HSBC Holdings (L: HSBA) rose 0.30%.
EasyJet shares fell 1.72% after the passengers at Manchester Airport were evacuated from the plane, after reports of a bomb on board.
In the US, equity markets pointed to a higher open. Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average point to an increase of 0.28%, futures of S&P 500 rose 0.17%, while the Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.17%.