European shares edged higher on Friday despite concerns about trade tensions and economic slowdown. The U.K. economy unexpectedly contracted by 0.1 percent in January, lower than the expected 0.1 percent growth. The STOXX 600 was up 0.3 percent for the day, but down nearly 2 percent for the week. UniCredit received ECB authorization to acquire a stake in Commerzbank, while BMW reported a 37 percent drop in profit due to weak Chinese demand. Daimler Truck Holding forecasted a 5-15 percent increase in operating profit for 2025. Universal Music Group and Kering saw declines in their shares.

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