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Dec 27 (Reuters) - European shares rose to another record
high on Friday, as investors remained optimistic about an
improving global economy after a fresh dose of upbeat economic
data from China and firming indications of a preliminary
U.S.-China trade deal.
The pan-European STOXX 600 index .STOXX was up 0.2% at
0804 GMT. The index has now hit record highs for three
consecutive sessions in a holiday-shortened week.
Data on Friday showed profits at China's industrial firms
rose at the fastest pace in eight months in November. The news
added to a broader rally, fuelled by an initial U.S.-China trade
deal and hopes of a smoother Brexit. Beijing said this week it was in close contact with
Washington about their Phase 1 agreement, following comments
from U.S. President Donald Trump about a formal signing
ceremony. The deal is widely expected to be signed in early January.
Still, with no other major updates expected this year either
on the trade front or on future Brexit negotiations, volumes are
expected to remain light until the first full week of January.
In a light day for corporate news, Qiagen QIA.DE shares
tumbled 18.7% after the genetic testing firm decided against
selling the company.