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Euro zone Feb consumer prices data due 1000 GMT
STOXX 600 set for first weekly decline in six

March 1 Reuters European shares kicked off the month higher on Friday, buoyed by strength in global stocks after favourable U.S. inflation data and upbeat earnings, while investors looked ahead to euro zone inflation data for fresh clues on monetary policy easing.

The panEuropean STOXX 600 was up 0.5 by 934 GMT, within a whisker of a record high, tracking strength in global equities. However, the benchmark index remained set for its first weekly decline in six.

Germany39;s DAX climbed 0.6, scaling record highs for the seventh consecutive session.

The European technology index added 0.8, drawing support from a boost in AIlinked tech stocks across the globe.

Financials led gains with a 1.2 rise in banks index. Real estate stocks also moved 1 higher on growing hopes of monetary policy easing following inline U.S. inflation figures.

Due at 1000 GMT, euro zone February consumer prices data is expected to show that inflation, which soared to doubledigits in 2022, is moving back towards the European Central Bank39;s 2 target.

Data this week showed a slowdown in inflation in European Union members Germany, France and Spain.

The ECB will reiterate its datadependency for future decisions and it should also be more comfortable with the current, less aggressive…