European shares open higher; Brexit talks on rocky ground; investors await data and earnings

European markets opened slightly higher on Friday morning, as investors monitored fresh economic data, earnings and speeches from central bank policymakers.

Symbol	Name	Price		Change	%Change	Volume
FTSE	FTSE	7526.93		-29.31	-0.39%	37423684
DAX	DAX	12981.46		-1.43	-0.01%	5958763
CAC	CAC	5353.43		-7.38	-0.14%	5284811

The pan-European Stoxx 600 edged 0.24 percent higher shortly after the opening bell with almost all sectors in positive territory.

U.K. investors will be watching the stalemate following the fifth round of Brexit talks in Brussels this week. According to the European Union's chief negotiator Michel Barnier Thursday, there is a "disturbing deadlock" over the amount the U.K. should pay before it exits the bloc. The lack of progress means that discussion over a future trade agreement has been postponed, likely until the European Council meets in December. Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said Thursday that it was time to quicken the pace of negotiations.

In Washington D.C., a convening of G-20 finance ministers and central bank governors continues, with European Central Bank (ECB) board members Vitor Constancio and Sabine Lautenschlaeger set to speak. In an address in the U.S. capital Thursday, ECB President Mario Draghidefended the institution's policy of keeping interest rates low.

President Donald Trump is expected to outline his policy on Iran Friday, with critics concerned it could risk the stability of the current nuclear deal.

British investment firm Man Group will release a trading statement Friday and French luxury brand Christian Dior will post sales data.

Stateside, Bank of America and Wells Fargo are set to publish third-quarter results. U.S. inflation and retail sales data will also be released.