LONDON — European markets closed higher on Friday as a global stock selloff eased and investors reacted to U.S. inflation data.
The pan-European Stoxx 600 closed 0.9% higher London time, with nearly all sectors and major bourses across the region trading in positive territory.
Construction and material and household goods stocks led gains, up 1.8% and 1.7% respectively. Travel and leisure stocks were also 1.6% higher.
Autos recouped losses from earlier in the day after Germany’s Mercedes Benz said it was narrowing its annual profit margin forecast.
British bank NatWest rose as much as 7.2% in afternoon trade after it reported that its pretax operating profit fell by less than expected in the first half of the year. The London-listed stock closed 7% higher.
European equities have closed lower for the last two sessions amid a sharp downturn in technology stocks stateside.
Overall, Stoxx losses have eased from last week, when the regional index recorded its …