European stocks rise for second week adding to November gains

European stocks rise for second week adding to November gains

European shares were slightly higher Friday, marking a second week of gains, driven by chemical and retail sectors as US trading resumed following the Thanksgiving holiday.



The Stoxx Europe 600 Index ended the session 0.3 per cent higher, with chemicals leading the rally as BASF SE gained following a Bloomberg News report that Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC) is exploring a potential acquisition of Wintershall Dea, the European energy explorer it backs. Retailers and energy stocks also climbed.





Neither BASF nor ADNOC commented on the deal, the report added.



Stocks in the region are trading at a two-month high and the main index is set for its best month since January. Sentiment has been boosted