French financial services provider Societe Generale S.A. reported Friday that its first-quarter net profit declined from last year amid nearly stable net revenues. Gross operating income, however, increased from the prior year. In Paris, Societe Generale shares were gaining around 4.4 percent in the morning trading.

European stocks inched higher on Friday after European Central Bank policymaker Yannis Stournaras said he sees three rate cuts in 2024.

U.K. stocks rose on Friday after a closely watched survey showed the British economy is "pulling further out of last year's shallow recession" as the dominant services sector grew at its fastest pace in nearly a year.

French stocks traded higher on Friday, as encouraging bank earnings outweighed weak data showing that France's industrial production declined unexpectedly in March after rebounding in the previous month.

German stocks were modestly higher on Friday after European Central Bank policymaker Yannis Stournaras said he sees three rate cuts in 2024.

Risk appetite returns after dovish Fed, but will jobs report spoil the party? Apple to likely secure weekly gains for Wall Street. Yen rally gets additional boost from softer dollar after suspected interventions.

GBP/USD sideways with positive ROC, Bitcoin up 0.9% despite negative ROC, stable oil prices with negative RSI, AUD/USD rises 0.5% with positive RSI; global finance sees US eyeing Bitcoin options, FTSE 100 surges, Fed holds rates, Apple's optimistic outlook; upcoming events include US earnings, Eurozone unemployment, French output, Japan and UK net positions.

Market attention now shifts to today's U.S. NFP reading, which could provide insights into the Fed's forthcoming monetary policy decisions.

Euro up, dollar-yen down, gold spikes, Google steady. Bank of Canada considers rate cut, Fed hints at future rate adjustment. Key economic events: Japan Consumer Confidence, Australia Trade Balance, US Labor Costs, Spain Unemployment Change, US Jobless Claims, Austria Unemployment Rate.

Brent crude oil prices have dropped to $83.95 per barrel on Thursday, marking the lowest level in seven weeks. This decline follows recent US statistics indicating a significant increase in crude oil inventories and production.