European stocks steady in cautious trading ahead of U.S. jobs data

European stocks steadied on Friday trade as investors traded cautiously ahead of U.S. jobs data. Euro zone’s benchmark edged higher and is en route to its third weekly gain as investors’ hope for economic recovery blooms.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index advanced 0.2% by 0709 GMT, placing near its record high hit earlier this week. The benchmark was on track to record a 0.6% weekly rise.

Investors anticipate the U.S. May payrolls data due later in the day, with a lively figure likely to add to concerns about the Federal Reserve paring back its massive stimulus program faster than expected.

Utilities, financial services, and healthcare businesses topped industry gainers on STOXX 600, soaring about half a percent each.

Meanwhile, shares in British Airways-owner IAG Wizz Air and easyJet dipped more than 1% after Britain added seven countries, including Egypt and Sri Lanka, to its “red list” of destinations that require hotel quarantine on return to the U.K.