EUROPEAN STOCKS POST WEEKLY LOSS AS FRANCE TURMOIL , OIL PRICES DENT EARNINGS OPTIMISM

What happened: European stocks posted their steepest weekly loss since early September, with the Stoxx 600 falling 0.31 per cent to 635.77 points on Friday, as France turmoil and higher oil prices weighed on earnings optimism. Key numbers: Stoxx 600 down about 1.4% for the week. Why it matters: Earnings estimates for European companies have improved, but higher crude prices and unrest in France have left investors jittery. Investors will scrutinise Moody's decision on France's credit rating.

European stocks posted their steepest weekly loss since early September, with the Stoxx 600 falling 0.31 per cent to 635.77 points on Friday, as France turmoil and higher oil prices weighed on earnings optimism.

Earnings estimates for European companies have improved, but higher crude prices and unrest in France have left investors jittery. Investors will scrutinise Moody's decision on France's credit rating.