European shares attempt to rebound after global sell-off

European shares attempted on Friday to recoup losses sustained during the previous session’s global selloff but lacked thrust from Wall Street and Asian markets for a significant rebound.

By 0814 GMT, the euro zone’s STOXX index was up 0.9 per cent after falling 3.2 per cent during Thursday’s rout, which was triggered by fears the US dispute with China could worsen to a full-out trade war.

Futures for US indexes S&P 500 ESc1 were trading down 0.6 per cent after ending the previous session slightly in negative territory but well above their session lows.

Traders were focused on incoming US jobs data later in the session and whether it could shed any light on the health of the economy and the pace at which the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates.

Shares in German healthcare group Fresenius were the top losers in early trading, down 10.5 per cent and set for their worst day since 2002.

Associated British Foods shares fell 2.5 per cent after reporting that trading at its Primark fashion chain was challenging in November.