European markets closed marginally higher Friday after U.S. economic data came in stronger than expected and with a slew of rate hike decisions due next week.
European markets
The pan-European Stoxx 600 index closed 0.3% higher. Autos gained 1.1% as mining and food and beverage stocks fell 0.6%.
Investors are processing a mixed performance from corporate earnings released this week, with the start-of-year rally stuttering.
Friday saw the release of French consumer data for January, which showed current household confidence and unemployment worries stayed stable but reported living standards and future expectations declined.
It will also see the publication of U.S. data on core inflation, personal income and spending and pending home sales. The U.S. economy expanded by 2.9% year on year during the fourth quarter, beating expectations, though recession fears remain.
Earlier in the week, the German government as well as research group Ifo said Europe's largest economy would likely avoid a recession this year.
All earnings and economic data will be closely watched, with central banks due to take the spotlight next week. The Federal Reserve meets Tuesday to Wednesday, while the European Central Bank and Bank of England will announce their hiking decisions Thursday.
In Asia, shares traded higher Friday, while U.S. futures fell slightly on Friday morning.