Europe shares gain in early trade; jobs data eyed
* FTSEurofirst 300 index rises 0.2 pct
* Banks rise
* Lafarge, L'Oreal drop after results
By Brian Gorman
LONDON, Nov 6 (Reuters) - Europe shares edged up in early trading on Friday ahead of a key U.S. employment report, with companies such as Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS.L: Quote, Profile, Research) and British Airways gaining (BAY.L: Quote, Profile, Research) after results.
At 0929 GMT, the FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares was up 0.2 percent at 992.54 points.
The European benchmark is up more than 53 percent from its lifetime low on March 9, as investors have become more confident on the prospects for economic recovery.
Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS.L: Quote, Profile, Research), majority-owned by the British state, rose 4 percent after it more than halved its operating loss to 1.5 billion pounds ($2.5 billion) in the third quarter as impairments fell. [ID:nL6671701] Continued...
India Investment Summit 2009
Top executives and bankers discuss their own plans and the broader opportunities and challenges for India. Full Coverage
GLOBAL RECOVERY
Global economy in holding pattern - IMF
The global economy is in a holding pattern and vulnerable to more upheaval, the head of the IMF said, adding a lasting recovery will depend on policymakers taking the proper steps in the coming months. Full Article
India
US
UK
