Europe: Stocks Close Week Higher.

European stocks held their on Friday on sings of easing geopolitical tensions that may limit supply pressures on key energy commodities. The Eurozone's STOXX 50 jumped 0.5 to 5,933 and pan-European STOXX 600 added 0.4% to 615. Ukrainian officials signaled fresh optimism on talks with Russia that could pave the way to the end of the war, while US President Trump struck a less aggressive tone against Iran and satellite data showed a group of vessels crossing the Hormuz chokepoint. The developments improved the outlook for energy supply in Europe, which had sources of oil and gas threatened by both wars. Banks rose sharply despite the rebound in bond yields, with UniCredit, Nordea, and BBVA gaining close to 2%. The drop in natural gas costs also aided industrial giants with Schneider and Siemens adding 2%. The STOXX 50 gained 4.2% this week, aided by a 5% surge on Wednesday as the US President threats on Iran did not materialize.