Euro zone inflation cools in March while U.S. data beats expectations

Despite a volatile few weeks of trade in the banking sector, European stock markets closed higher on Friday, with the Stoxx 600 logging gains of 7.05% in the first quarter. Euro zone consumer price rises cooled and a key U.S. inflation print came in lower than expected. Retail stocks led gains, extending the Thursday rally and ending up by 1.7%, while household goods and financial services both rose 1.2%. Banks were the sole outlier, closing 0.2% lower despite positive momentum throughout the week.