Global stocks rallied on Friday following the release of minutes from the US Federal Reserve's September meeting on Thursday that further reduced investor expectations for a US interest rate rise this year.
The Stoxx Europe 600 was up 0.8 per cent in early trade following gains on Wall Street Thursday.
Germany's DAX rose 0.9 per cent. France's CAC 40 was up 0.8 per cent. The FTSE 100 climbed 0.6 per cent.
US stocks closed higher on Thursday after minutes of the Federal Reserve's September meeting showed central bank policy makers decided against raising rates amid worries that inflation would remain stuck at ultralow levels. Low interest rates in the US have buoyed stock markets over the past several years.
Meanwhile, energy stocks gained as oil prices advanced. Brent crude oil prices were last up 1.0 per cent at $US53.93 a barrel, propelled by a weaker dollar, trader expectations of shrinking US production and concerns about Russia's involvement in Syria.
In corporate news, shares of commodities trader Glencore PLC were up over 5 per cent in Europe after the firm said it would cut global zinc production following a collapse in the metal's price.
Investors in the US will reflect on disappointing earnings from aluminum giant Alcoa Inc., which unofficially kicked off the third-quarter earnings season by reporting a sharp drop in profit Thursday.
In currencies, the euro rose 0.2 per cent against the dollar to $US1.1306. The dollar rose 0.2 per cent against the yen. The dollar had initially weakened after the release of the Federal Reserve minutes.
Gold was up 0.1 per cent at $US1145.50 a troy ounce.
The yield on 10-year US Treasurys was flat at 2.098 per cent. Yields rise as prices fall.
