European stocks edged higher on Friday, following gains in Asia, even as investors weighed the risks of tightening monetary policy. Earlier, the ECB said it would slow bond purchases during the epidemic.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index rose 0.2%. It is still possible to record a weekly decline this week because of concerns about a global economic slowdown.

Mining and technology stocks were the biggest gainers in European stocks, while telecom stocks fell the most.

LVMH, a French luxury goods maker, rose 1.8 percent after HSBC recommended buying the stock. Shares of Fresenius Healthcare Group fell 4%, JPMorgan Chase & CoDowngrade the stock to "underweight".