European stocks opened November on a slightly firmer note, with both the STOXX 50 and the STOXX 600 advancing 0.2%, following an October close near record highs. Investors continued to digest a fresh batch of corporate earnings while awaiting new market catalysts. Banks and automakers booked gains, with Unicredit, BBVA, Deutsche Bank, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW all rising more than 1%. BP climbed 1.5% after agreeing to sell stakes in its US shale assets to Sixth Street for $1.5 billion. Nokia shares gained nearly 4%. In contrast, Ryanair fell almost 2% despite posting a slightly better-than-expected after-tax profit while noting it remains too early to provide detailed guidance for that year. Davide Campari Milano dropped more than 2% after Italian tax authorities seized $1.5 billion worth of shares from the holding company controlling the drinks maker amid an alleged tax evasion probe. BNP Paribas was also among the worst performers (-1.4%).