European Markets Rise Despite Economic Weakness and All Eyes Are on U.S. Non-Farm Jobs

European stocks rise in morning trading on Friday, despite downbeat economic indicators for both the Eurozone and even the U.K. The Purchasing Managers Index for the British Service Sector still shows strong growth, but appears to suggest slower expansion going forward. The markets watch for the U.S. jobs figures later today, to see if they help time the Fed’s future interest rate policy. Salix Pharmaceuticals calls off its merger with Cosmo Technologies, which would have seen it move its tax registration to Ireland. It cited a changed political climate in the U.S. British budget airline EasyJet says strikes at French carrier Air France –KLM have boosted its profit outlook. Hong Kong market rises despite democracy protests.