Major stock markets in Europe opened mostly higher on Friday, as investors focused on today's trade balance report for the European Union, set to be released later in the day, and the recent news on coronavirus vaccines. Meanwhile, Moderna stated that its coronavirus jab is effective even after six months, and White House medical advisor Dr. Antony Fauci asserted that Johnson and Johnson's vaccine is effective against the Delta variant, as he noted that it is likely that everyone will need to get a COVID booster jab sometime in the future.

The DAX started the session flat. The FTSE 100 began 0.23% higher, led by Evraz plc increasing 1.30%. The CAC 40 was up by 0.12% at the opening bell, with Bouygues gaining 1.86%.

The euro stood flat against the dollar trading for $1.17311 at 9:04 am CET, while the pound was also muted against the American currency going for $1.38076 at 9:06 am CET.