Air FranceKLM drops on Barclays downgrade
European sportswear makers fall on Nike39;s dour forecast
STOXX up 0.2, though set for weekly and monthly loss

June 28 Reuters European shares rose on Friday as firmer crude oil prices lifted energy stocks, with investors also keeping an eye on an U.S. inflation print which could be key in gauging the global monetary policy path.

The panEuropean STOXX 600 gained 0.2 as of 0838 GMT, after closing lower for the last three sessions.

Despite Friday39;s strength, the benchmark was headed for a weekly and monthly loss.

Energy gained 0.7, tracking higher crude prices, while auto stocks were amongst top gainers with a 0.9 increase.

The U.S. personal consumption expenditures PCE data the Federal Reserve39;s preferred inflation measure is due at 1230 GMT.

We anticipate that inflation will decrease, not just this month but over the coming months and throughout the year. It may even fall more than investors and the Fed currently expect, said James Reilly, markets economist at Capital Economics.

In the continent, French consumer prices rose 2.5 yearonyear in June, in line with expectations, as per preliminary data, while Spain39;s EU harmonised inflation rate fell to 3.5 in the 12 months through June.

Meanwhile, an opinion poll published in newspaper Les Echos saying farright party National Rally NR further rose in its forecast and may reach as much as 37 of the popular vote, two days before the first voting round in the French…