European markets closed higher on Friday, as investors breathed a sigh of relief after voters in Scotland rejected independence and opted to remain in the United Kingdom.
European markets
The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 provisionally closed up 0.3 percent at 1,402.68 points. The U.K.'s FTSE 100 also closed up around 0.3 percent.
Millions of Scots took part in the independence referendum—with 55 percent of Scots voting to remain part of the U.K.
Later in the day, Alex Salmond, the leader of the Scottish Nationalist Party which led the independence campaign, resigned.
Read MoreScottish nationalist leader quits after losing vote
The U.K.'s financial sector was buoyed by the outcome, after fears regarding currency, pensions and debt burdens if Scotland seceded. Plus, Lloyds and RBS closed around 1.3 percent and 2.5 percent respectively higher, after both confirmed they would keep their headquarters in Scotland.
Alibaba debut
U.S. stocks eased record-setting gains on Friday, with the Nasdaq Composite turning lower, as investors welcomed Alibaba's record-breaking market debut. Alibaba started trading at $92.70 a share.
Back in Europe, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy said he would be returning to politics, ending months of speculation. The French CAC 40 closed down unofficially 0.1 percent after the announcement.
Elsewhere, German producer prices for August showed a decline of 0.1 percent from the month before, with a yearly drop of 0.8 percent.
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