Major European stock markets opened higher on Friday, as investors digested the ECB's decision to cut interest rates by 25 basis points on Thursday and a cautious outlook on the economy. A wave of economic data is also in focus, with UK annual house price growth slowing to 4.1% in January, German retail sales rising 1.8% in December, and Swiss retail sales up 2.6%. France reported a slight inflation increase, while markets awaited more data, including Germany’s unemployment rate and consumer price report.

At 9:00 am CET, the French CAC 40 traded 0.12% higher with STMicroelectronics up 1.53%. The Euro Stoxx 50 increased by 0.26% with Prosus NV advancing 1.40%. The British FTSE 100 gained 0.31% as Next PLC climbed 2.07% and the German DAX advanced by 0.23% with Deutsche Bank jumping 1.32%.

The euro and the pound sterling both traded flat against the dollar at 8:58 am CET to sell for $1.04051 and $1.24333, respectively.