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European equities hold steady

London - European equity markets steadied on Thursday ahead of the long Easter holiday weekend and on the eve of critical US economic data, dealers said.

In late morning deals, London's benchmark FTSE 100 index of top companies added 0.15% to 6 819.70 points and the CAC 40 in Paris won 0.08% to 5 066 points.

Frankfurt's DAX 30 index dipped 0.10% to 11 989 points compared with Tuesday's closing level, hit partly by ongoing worries over Greece.

All three main European stock markets will remain closed on Friday and Monday for public holidays, before reopening for business on Tuesday.

The region's indices had risen slightly Wednesday on the back of upbeat manufacturing data in China and the eurozone.

"The quarter has hardly got off to a fantastic start for stock markets in Europe and the UK ... with the shortened week and the presence of US job numbers tomorrow," said IG analyst Chris Beauchamp.

In foreign exchange activity on Thursday, the European single currency rose to $1.0829 from $1.0760 late in New York on Wednesday, as dealers awaited Friday's non-farm payrolls figures.

"The business week finishes today for many ahead of the extended Easter weekend; however, non-farm payrolls are still to be released tomorrow," said analyst Angus Campbell at trading firm FxPro.

London won a lift from news of rebounding fourth-quarter sales at retailer Marks & Spencer.

M&S shares rallied 6.13% to 563 pence in late morning deals, topping the FTSE 100 risers board.

Asian stock markets climbed Thursday after the previous day's losses, but expectations for a Federal Reserve interest rate hike were hit by weak US data.

Hong Kong advanced 0.77%, Tokyo jumped 1.46%, Shanghai rose 0.41% and Sydney rose 0.64% in value.

The disappointing figures out of Washington also pushed Wall Street lower and weighed on the dollar ahead of the release of Friday's key US job report.

'Rocky' weeks ahead

Analysts have warned of rocky weeks ahead after a strong rally across global equity markets in the first three months of the year, as Greece attempts to reform its bailout and oil prices struggle.

Expectations for an early summer US rate hike were also dashed Wednesday after data showed growth in the manufacturing sector slowed for the fifth straight month in March and construction spending dipped in February, led by a decline in public construction.

Payrolls firm ADP also reported that 189 000 private sector jobs were created in March, below the 200 000-mark for the first time since January last year.

The Dow fell 0.44%, the S&P 500 dipped 0.40% and the Nasdaq lost 0.42%.

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