PARIS (dpa-AFX) - The European markets are trading mostly lower on Friday, ahead of the key monthly jobs report from the U.S., after Germany's industrial production grew less than expected in September.
Economists expect the U.S. jobs report to show an increase of about 240,000 jobs in October, while the unemployment rate is expected to hold at a more than six-year low of 5.9 percent.
On the economic front, Germany's industrial production grew less than expected in September, but it recovered from a decline seen in the prior month, data from Destatis revealed. Industrial production expanded 1.4 percent in September from August, when it fell by 3.1 percent. Economists had forecast a 2 percent rise for September.
Separate data released by Destatis showed that Germany's exports and imports recovered in September. Exports climbed 5.5 percent month-on-month in September, partially offsetting the 5.8 percent decrease seen in August. The growth rate also exceeded a 2.7 percent rise forecast by economists.
French industrial production was unchanged in September, defying expectations for a decrease, figures from the statistical office INSEE showed.
The Euro Stoxx 50 index of eurozone bluechip stocks is advancing 0.69 percent, while the Stoxx Europe 50 index, which includes some major U.K. companies, is gaining 0.19 percent.
The German DAX is losing 0.17 percent, the French CAC 40 is falling 0.70 percent and Switzerland's SMI is sliding 0.23 percent. The FTSE 100 index of the U.K., however, is adding 0.71 percent.
In Frankfurt, Allianz surged 5 percent after announcing increased dividend. Deutsche Bank raised the stock to 'Buy' from 'Hold.'
Adidas and ThyssenKrupp are rising 1.3 percent each.
Meanwhile, Lanxess is losing 3.7 percent and Fresenius Medical is falling close to 3 percent.
In Paris, lenders Credit Agricole and Societe Generale are falling 2.7 percent and 2.2 percent, respectively.
Legrand is falling 2 percent and Renault is down 1.7 percent.
Meanwhile,Vallourec is leading the gainers by adding 4.5 percent.
Technip is rising 3 percent and Lafarge is rising 1.1 percent.
In London, Fresnillo is gaining 3.7 percent and Anglo American is advancing 2.8 percent. Rio Tinto and Glencore are adding 2.6 percent each.
Goldman Sachs raised Intertek to 'Buy' from 'Neutral.' The stock added 2.3 percent.
Bucking the trend, RSA Insurance and Admiral are falling 2.2 percent and 1.2 percent, respectively.
Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds Banking Group and Standard Chartered are in negative territory.
Vestas Wind Systems surged 12 percent in Copenhagen. The wind turbine maker reported a profit for the third quarter compared to a loss last year, reflecting growth in revenues.
ArcelorMittal is gaining 3.3 percent in Amsterdam, after reporting a profit for the third quarter.
Skanska climbed 3 percent in Stockholm after quarterly results topped estimates.
Richemont advanced around 2 percent in Zurich. The luxury goods group reported sales growth for the first half on international demand for jewellery.
The Asian stocks pared early gains to end mixed. Australian, Japanese and Seoul shares rose on upbeat U.S. economic data and talk of further stimulus efforts from the European Central Bank, while Chinese and Hong Kong stocks retreated on profit taking after recent sharp gains.
In the U.S., futures point to a slightly higher open on Wall Street. In the previous session, the major U.S. averages rose around half a percent each, with the Dow and the S&P 500 again closing at record highs, as investors cheered upbeat weekly jobless claims and productivity data.
Crude for December delivery is gaining $0.26 to $78.17 per barrel, while gold is advancing $2.0 to $1144.6 a troy ounce.
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