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Oct 4 Reuters European shares inched higher on Friday, supported by regional energy stocks after crude oil prices climbed on concerns over a deeper conflict in the Middle East.

The panEuropean STOXX 600 edged 0.2 higher. Still, the index is on track for its worst week since Sept. 2, if losses hold.

The index tumbled by nearly 2 this week as investors shied away from making significant bets amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The only sector to shine was energy, with a 4.5 jump so far this week. The sector is on track for its best weekly performance in nearly six months, and also stood out as the sole subindex to register positive gains this week.

Automobile, on the other hand, was the worstperforming sector this week with a nearly 7 slump. The dour performance was led by ItalianAmerican automaker Stellantis, which lost nearly 17 this week after a profit warning and sustainability of the company39;s dividend.

The tensions in the Middle East are definitely giving investors a pause, but I wouldn39;t really say a riskoff sentiment. Investors are still trying to weigh the implications and it39;s very difficult in Europe, said Thomas Gehlen, senior market strategist at SG Kleinwort Hambros.

Investors will be on the lookout for speeches by a slew of ECB officials Luis de Guindos, Claudia Buch and Frank Elderson who are set to speak at various…