(Alliance News) - European stock markets showed signs of nerves Friday after the eve sell-off, which led major indexes to close at their lowest in several months. The drop came as sentiment worsened on strong U.S. labor market data, which fueled speculation that the Federal Reserve should take more aggressive measures to fight inflation.

Investors are now awaiting U.S. nonfarm payrolls data due today.

In European economic news, German industrial production unexpectedly contracted by 0.2 percent in May, while UK house prices fell 2.6 percent in June, marking the biggest drop since 2011.

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The FTSE Mib thus marks a 0.2 percent decline to 27,442.36.

The Mid-Cap is just above par at 41,694.05, the Small-Cap gives up 0.2 percent to 26,465.41, and Italy Growth is in the green by 0.3 percent to 9,041.70.

In Europe, London's FTSE 100 is down 0.4 percent, Paris' CAC 40 is giving up 0.2 percent, and Frankfurt's DAX 40 is giving up 0.1 percent.

On the main list in Piazza Affari, momentum on Saipem, which leads the small group of bullish traders. Of note, Marshall Wace on Thursday cut its short position to 0.48 percent from 0.56 percent.

Good buying also on BPER Banca, which advances 0.6 percent to EUR2.67 per share rearing its head after three sessions among the bearish.

Amplifon, on the other hand, gives up 2.1 percent to ER30.16. announced Thursday that it has entered as main partner in Next Age, the first accelerator in Europe that invests in startups developing products or solutions dedicated to the silver economy. Next Age is part of the national CDP Venture Capital accelerator network, a network that now has 18 hubs throughout the country to promote and support the growth of young companies specializing in high-potential markets.

Assicurazioni Generali -- down 0.2 percent -- on Thursday announced the acquisition of Conning Holdings Limited, among the leading global asset managers dedicated to insurance and institutional clients, from Cathay Life, a subsidiary of Cathay Financial Holdings, one of Asia's most prominent financial institutions.

On the cadet segment, Ariston Holding appreciates 1.6 percent to EUR9.06 per share, rebounding after eve's 6.8 percent decline.

Banca Popolare di Sondrio, on the other hand, rises 1.1 percent. The bank announced that Fitch, upon completion of its annual rating review process, has kept all assigned ratings unchanged. Specifically, the bank's Long-term Issuer Default Rating was confirmed at 'BB+' with stable outlook. The Short-term Issuer Default Rating was confirmed at 'B'.

Antares Vision, on the other hand, gives up 1.4 percent, priced at EUR6.33 per share, in position for its fifth session on the bearish side.

The tail end of the list is for Saras, which gives up 1.2% in its second bearish session.

On the SmallCap, purchases on Eurotech, bringing the price to EUR2.91, up 2.9% on the heels of last night's 1.1% green.

In contrast, Elica advances 1.9% to EUR2.74 per share, on the heels of the previous two bullish sessions.

Piquadro, on the other hand, gives up 2.8 percent, after the 0.8 percent green on the eve of the day.

Rear-ends also for Bialetti, which marks a minus 1.7 percent after a 0.3 percent decline on eve.

Among SMEs, good buying on Eles, which is picking up 8 percent, after eve's green with 1.3 percent.

High Quality Food, on the other hand, marks a plus 9.6 percent, after eve's 5.6 percent.

Relatech - in the green by 0.4 percent - announced Thursday that it had finalized the acquisition of the remaining 40 percent of Sigla Spa's capital, thus rising to the entire share capital of the company specializing in the design and development of ICT solutions. The transaction was concluded for a total consideration, entirely in cash, ultimately agreed at EUR711,572.76, of which EUR531,572.76 was paid at the time for the closing, EUR100,000 to be paid within 60 business days following the shareholders' approval of Sigla's 2023 financial statements, and EUR80,000 to be paid thereafter and subject to the fulfillment, by December 31, 2025, of a condition precedent.

Redelfi - in the green by 0.1 percent - reported Thursday that its subsidiary CerLab Srl had signed a framework agreement with Swiss-registered Raviero SA, a logistics operator active in the renewable energy market.

In New York overnight Europe, the Dow gave up 1.1 percent, while the Nasdaq gave up 0.8 percent as did the S&P 500.

Among Asian exchanges, the Hang Seng is giving up 0.5 percent, the Shanghai Composite is just below par , while the Nikkei closed down 0.9 percent.

Among currencies, the euro changed hands at USD1.0886 versus USD1.0839 on Thursday in closing European equities. In contrast, the pound is worth USD1.2733 from USD1.2681 on Thursday evening.

Among commodities, Brent crude is worth USD76.79 per barrel versus USD75.27 per barrel at Thursday's close. Gold, meanwhile, trades at USD1,914.25 an ounce from USD1,904.52 an ounce last night.

Friday's macroeconomic calendar features Spanish consumer confidence at 1300 CEST.

From the US, at 1430 CEST, will come June private sector employment data along with the unemployment rate. At 1900 CEST, eyes on Baker Hughes' drilling rig numbers.

Among the companies in the Square of Business, no particular events are expected.

By Maurizio Carta, Alliance News senior reporter

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