European markets rising ahead of U.S. jobs data (TheStreet) (05-03-2010)

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- European shares were advancing, while Asian stocks ended higher Friday ahead of the monthly employment report from the U.S.

In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 stock average rose 2.2% to 10,368.96 as a weaker yen boosted the prospects for exporters. Stocks in Japan also rose on reports the country's central bank might ease monetary policy.

The Hang Seng index in Hong Kong finished with a gain of 1% on Friday and stocks in China rose 0.3%.

Stocks in London were higher by 0.4% and Frankfurt and Paris shares were gaining 0.4% and 0.6%, respectively.

Source: TheStreet