European stocks are heading for their best weekly performance since November
European stocks rose on Friday, on track for their best weekly performance since November, with natural gas futures falling and positive economic data as investors await Eurozone inflation data.
The Stoxx Europe 600 index rose 0.1% by 08:15 GMT, bringing its weekly gain to 3.4% so far.
All eyes are on inflation data in the Eurozone for December, due at 10:00 GMT, as economists expect prices to fall year-on-year for the second month in a row.
Shell rose 0.4% after the company said profits from its natural gas business likely rose significantly in the fourth quarter of last year.
The energy sector index gained 0.6% as crude prices rose thanks to hopes for a recovery in demand from China and data showing a decrease in fuel stocks in the United States after a winter storm that swept the country late last year.
