In European Equity Markets the pan-European Stoxx 600 provisionally 0.1 percent higher, with sectors pointing in opposite directions. Media and telecoms led the gains, both trading higher by roughly 0.6 percent. Looking at individual stocks, Eurazeo rose 3.1 percent, becoming one of the best performers after a ratings upgrade from HSBC. Thyssenkruppshares were also 1.7 percent higher after chief Heinrich Hiesinger offered his resignation just a week after signing a joint venture with Tata Steel.

In Currency Markets the US dollar hit three-week lows on Friday after data showed the U.S. economy created more jobs than expected in June, but a closely-watched inflation gauge – wage growth – rose less than forecast and the unemployment rate increased. Against the yen, the dollar slid 0.2 percent to 110.50, while the euro rose 0.6 percent to $1.1759. U.S. nonfarm payrolls advanced by 213,000 jobs last month, the Labor Department said. Data for April and May was revised to show 37,000 more jobs created than previously reported.

In Commodities Markets oil slipped below $77 a barrel on Friday, under pressure as higher Saudi production and trade tensions between the United States and China offset support from oil supply disruptions. Top exporter Saudi Arabia told OPEC it had raised oil output by almost 500,000 barrels per day last month, OPEC sources said, a sign Riyadh wants to make up for shortages elsewhere and dampen prices. Brent crude, the global benchmark, was down 83 cents at $76.56 a barrel by 1403 GMT. U.S. crude slipped 43 cents to $72.51.

In US Equity Markets indices rose on Friday on the back of stronger-than-expected employment data, but investors were on edge amid concerns over an escalating trade war between the U.S. and China. Biogen shares rose nearly 20 percent after the company announced positive results from a study on a drug aimed at treating early Alzheimer’s disease. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 100 points, with McDonald’s and Walgreens Boots Alliance outperforming. The S&P 500 traded 0.7 percent higher, with health care rising 1.1 percent. The Nasdaq composite climbed 0.9 percent.

In Bond Markets Euro zone government bond yields gave up their gains after payroll data in the United States showed wage growth was lower than expected, thereby undermining inflation expectations in the world’s biggest economy. U.S. 10-year Treasury yields fell to their lowest levels in five weeks and the Treasury yield curve flattened to its tightest levels since 2007 after jobs data for June showed that wage pressures were below economists’ expectations. Most other euro zone bond yields were 1-2 bps lower on the day.