European stocks gain on China-U.S. optimism; euro zone inflation steady

The euro was 0.5% higher against the U.S. dollar at $1.134 at 10:40 a.m. U.K. time, extending gains from earlier in the session after euro zone inflation came in .

— Jenni Reid

British oil giant .

— Sam Meredith

Standard Chartered on Friday beat first-quarter profit expectations on the back of strong growth in its wealth management, global markets, and global banking businesses.

The bank’s reported profit before taxation for the three months ended in March was $2.103 billion, up from $1.91 billion in the same period a year ago.

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— Lee Ying Shan

Copper rose sharply on Friday after China said it was evaluating the possibility of trade talks with the U.S.

The metal gained for a second day, and was trading 0.89 higher at $9,206 a ton on the London Metal Exchange as at 11.11 a.m. Singapore time.

Meanwhile, iron ore futures in Singapore added 0.42% to $96.60.

China’s consideration of talks with the U.S. is good news for base metals as they have taken a hit from U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on China.

Experts had previously highlighted that the Asian giant’s copper stockpiles would take a hit if its trade relations with the U.S. remain tense.

— Amala Balakrishner

Bitcoin rose sharply early Friday, reversing its losses from earlier in the week. The cryptocurrency is now fast approaching $100,000 — a threshold it last traded at on February 7.

As at 8.35 a.m. Singapore time, Bitcoin had advanced 0.34% to $96,805.58.

— Amala Balakrishner