STOXX 600 up 0.7, set for 2.3 weekly jump
UK39;s FTSE 100 hits record highs, up 1
Avolta gains after buyback announcement

Jan 17 Reuters European shares advanced in broadbased gains on Friday as easing government bond yields and positive economic data from China boosted sentiment, keeping the STOXX 600 on track for its fourth straight weekly rise.

The panEuropean STOXX 600 was up 0.7 as of 0930 GMT, on track for a more than 2 jump for the week and less than 1 away from record highs.

Most STOXX subsectors were trading higher, with automobiles up 1.8, while construction and materials added 1.6.

Yields across European government bonds eased, with the yield on the 10year bund last at 2.5, down for the third straight day.

Risk sentiment got a boost after China39;s economy matched the government39;s ambitions for 5 growth last year, but in a lopsided fashion.

UK39;s FTSE 100 outperformed its continental peers, gaining 1 to hit an alltime high.

British retail sales fell unexpectedly in December, adding to a run of downbeat economic indicators that are likely to further boost expectations for a Bank of England interest rate cut next month.

European equities advanced this week as global markets reacted to easing U.S. core inflation which kept potential rate cuts by the Federal Reserve on the table.

Positive earnings from Cartierowner Richemont on Thursday spurred a rally amongst luxury heavyweights such as LVMH, Kering and Swatch, giving a leg up to the broader index…