* OIL: Oil prices fell but were poised for a weekly gain as renewed optimism on China's demand recovery over-rode recession worries brought by growing crude inventories in the U.S. and tightening monetary policy in Europe.
* GOLD: Gold prices rose and looked set to post their biggest weekly gain since mid-January, as the U.S. dollar eased, while traders assessed prospects of further rate hikes by the Federal Reserve.
* METALS: London copper prices were on track for a weekly gain as promising economic data from top metals consumer China bolstered demand prospects, while markets awaited a key parliamentary meeting in the Asian country for further cues on policy.
* FTSE: UK's FTSE 100 reversed early losses on Thursday as a weak pound boosted the export-heavy index, while declines in stocks trading ex-dividend and weak earnings from the likes of Haleon and Beazley kept gains in check.
* UK CORPORATE DIARY:
Rightmove Plc FY Results
Pearson Plc FY Results
IMI Plc FY Results
* For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on: TODAY'S UK PAPERS > Financial Times > Other business headlines (Reporting by Prerna Bedi in Bengaluru)
