Word stocks mixed after Wall St breaks losing streak

Shares are higher in Europe after closing mostly lower in Asia ahead of the release of consumer price data in the U.S. Benchmarks advanced in Paris, London, Tokyo and Sydney but fell in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Seoul. Japan reported its core consumer price index, excluding volatile fresh foods, rose the most in 41 years in January. But the nominee to head its central bank, economist Kazuo Ueda, told lawmakers he favors keeping Japan's benchmark interest rate near zero to ensure stable growth. On Thursday, the S&P 500 rose 0.5% for its first gain in five days.