Markets & Finance News

European shares ended little changed on Friday as the euro's rally dimmed appetite for regional stocks but talk about possible cuts to European Central Bank stimulus boosted banks.

* Greene King hit by weak sales update (Adds details, closing prices)

European shares opened lower on Friday across all major bourses and sectors, failing to get support from rather quiet trading sessions in Asia and Wall Street, and as the euro's rally continues to hurt appetite for regional stocks.

European shares rose on Thursday after the European Central Bank reaffirmed its ultra-easy policy stance and said details on the future of its massive stimulus would come in October.

European shares closed in positive territory on Thursday after the European Central Bank reaffirmed its ultra-easy policy stance and said details on the future of its massive stimulus would come in October.

A rally in auto stocks lifted German shares to 10-day highs on Wednesday as upbeat broker notes reawakened investor interest into a cheaply valued sector that could benefit from plans to cut emissions.

* Financials biggest weight before ECB meeting (Recasts, adds details and closing prices)

Barclays believes the recent correction in European equities due to the unexpected surge in the euro has created a buying opportunity, especially for domestic companies set to benefit from stronger economic growth.

European shares fell on Wednesday in cautious early trading on the eve of a European Central Bank meeting, while tensions on the Korean peninsula weighed on risky assets.

European shares inched lower on Tuesday dragged down by losses in the heavyweight financial sector as worries over North Korea persisted and caution grew before a European Central Bank policy meeting later in the week.