Harry Tchilinguirian, head of commodities market strategy at BNP Paribas, tells CNBC that continued QE by the US Fed, a pickup in the Chinese economy and a continued squeeze on Iranian production will drive oil up.
Jens Weidmann, president of the Bundesbank and a member of the ECB's governing council, says only politics, not the European Central Bank, can solve the euro zone crisis.
Ed Nusbaum, CEO of Grant Thornton International, tells CNBC that there's a clear correlation between those countries with the most women in senior management positions and those with strong economic growth.
Giuseppe Recchi, chairman of Eni SpA, tells CNBC that while sentiment and confidence around the global economy is good, Europe's internal markets are a strain on its recovery.
Antonio Borges, former Europe director of IMF, tells CNBC that banks hording liquidity is a significant factor in Europe's troubles, one that can only be solved by a rapid move towards banking union.
Lewis Alexander, US chief economist and managing director at Nomura, tells CNBC that while the jobs report was positive, it won't cause a change in Fed policy in the short-term.
Charlie Mayfield, chairman of the John Lewis partnership at John Lewis, tells CNBC that there are still opportunities on the high street for businesses who are prepared to take risks.
Todd Hagerman, financial services analyst and managing director at Sterne Agee, tells CNBC that the U.S. bank stress tests will hold no surprises and should serve to reinforce investor confidence.
European shares ended slightly lower on Thursday, held back by a post-results slump for British insurer Aviva, and some said they expected the pullback to continue in the short term.
Kevin Gardiner, head of investment strategy at Barclays, tells CNBC that from a narrow investor viewpoint, European stock markets have the edge over most other asset classes.
Chris Scicluna, head of economic research at Daiwa Capital Markets, tells CNBC that it's almost a given that Japan's new central bank governor will introduce more easing through open ended asset purchases.
Michael Mewes, portfolio manager at JPMorgan Asset Management, tells CNBC that the market reaction to the ECB press conference was completely out of context, with a "non-event" Draghi speech.
Join Louisa Bojesen for a fast-paced, dynamic wrap up to the trading day. European Closing Bell gives an in-depth analysis of the day's market action and includes expert analysis from the major players in the European business and financial world. Reporting live from London on the day's financial and business events, Closing Bell also includes live contribution and analysis from across Europe. Get involved in the program and e-mail your questions and comments to the show: Europeanclosingbell@cnbc.com.