European markets mixed amid earnings; oil prices hit multi-year highs
The pan-European Stoxx 600 was flat during early morning deals, with sectors and major bourses pointing in opposite directions. Oil prices hit highs not seen since late 2014 on Thursday, following reports OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia would be content to see crude prices surge up to $100 a barrel over the coming months. The firm, which makes pumps and valves for mining and energy industries, announced it would try to purchase U.S.-based ESCO Corp for an equity value of over $1 billion.