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Feb 12 (Reuters) - European stocks edged lower on Friday, on
track to end the second straight week of gains, as investors
awaited more signs of progress in U.S. stimulus measures, while
a rise in shares of ASML and ING kept declines in check.
The pan-European STOXX 600 index .STOXX dipped 0.1%, after
having gained nearly 4% so far this month.
ING Groep NV INGA.AS jumped 5% after the largest Dutch
bank reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter pre-tax
earnings of 1.05 billion euros ($1.27 billion). ASML Holding NV ASML.AS rose 1.5% after the Dutch
equipment maker said chip shortages slowing car production were
a symptom of broader increased demand that is placing strains on
suppliers across the semiconductor sector. European technology stocks .SX8P were 0.4% higher, among
the few sectors in positive territory in early trading.
Market participants were hopeful that a proposed $1.9
trillion U.S. stimulus bill would be passed soon by lawmakers,
with data showing a stalling recovery in the U.S. labour market
strengthening the case for it. MKTS/GLOB