The British FTSE 100 Index increased by 0.35%, the German DAX rose by 0.25%, the French CAC 40 increased by 0.20%. Italy's FTSE MIB and Spain's IBEX 35 gained 0.36% and 0.23%, respectively.
In five days, Stoxx Europe 600 is up 1.25%, FTSE 100 is up 1.3%, DAX is up 1.4%, CAC 40 is up 1.2%, FTSE MIB is up 0.4%, IBEX 35 - by 1.4%.
Investors were evaluating the financial results of companies for the second quarter of 2021, which raise hopes for a quick recovery of European economies from the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic and offset concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 delta strain.
Consumer prices in France, harmonized with European Union standards, rose 1.5% year-on-year in July 2021, final data from the National Statistical Office Insee showed on Friday. In June, consumer prices in France rose 1.9% YoY and 0.2% MoM.
Wholesale prices in Germany jumped 11.3% in July compared to the same month last year, according to data from the country's Federal Statistical Office. This is the highest rate of increase since October 1974. They are caused, among other things, by a low comparison base. In June, the growth rate was 10.7%.
The UK economy expanded 4.8% in the second quarter of 2021 from the previous three months, the National Statistical Office (ONS) said Thursday. In annual terms, GDP growth was 22.2%.
Data from the Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat) released on Thursday showed a 0.3% decrease in industrial production in the eurozone in June 2021 compared to the previous month. Compared to June 2020, industrial production increased by 9.7%.
Germany's adidas AG, the world's second-largest sportswear maker, rose 2.3% on news of the € 2.1 billion sale of the Reebok brand to the American company Authentic Brands Group.
German engineering firm GEA Group AG rose 1.6% after the company reported an increase in second-quarter revenue.
Renewable energy Danish Orsted AS gained 3.2%. The company posted a net profit of DKK 5.54 billion ($ 874.5 million) in the second quarter, compared with a net loss of Kroner 1.89 billion a year earlier.
The shares of the French pharmaceutical company Ipsen fell 12.7%, being among the leaders in the fall. On Friday, the company said in a press release that it is withdrawing its US registration application for palovaroten.
