European stocks steadied on Friday as investors looked optimistic about the economy and corporate earnings

European stocks held steady on Friday and are expected to maintain a modest monthly gain, according to Jinshi. Investors are optimistic that a strong economic backdrop and improving corporate earnings will continue to support stocks. Although data showed that eurozone inflation rose more than expected, stocks remained strong. Barclays strategists said that the market has digested bets that the European Central Bank will cut interest rates at next week's interest rate meeting, which increases the possibility of a "go before you come" reaction. Michael Field, European market strategist at Morningstar, said by phone: There are quite a lot of things to be optimistic about, and I think what the market is trying to do around this is just trying to find a suitable level of optimism.