European shares rose in early trade on Friday, extending a winning run to three sessions, after results at US chipmaker Intel boosted hopes of a strong earnings season. At 0809 GMT, the FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares was up 0.3 percent at 1,066.87 points.
On Thursday, the index rose 0.7 percent and is up more than 65 percent from its lifetime low of March 9, as several major economies have emerged from recession. Banks added most to the index. HSBC, Banco Santander, Credit Agricole and Deutsche Bank rose between 0.3 and 1.4 percent.
Intel Corp's fourth-quarter results roared past Wall Street forecasts and it gave a bullish margin outlook on higher prices and firm demand for server chips, reinforcing hopes for a strong recovery in technology. "Intel is a bit of a bellwether. The results are indicative, not just for the company," said Bernard McAlinden, investment strategist at NCB Stockbrokers.
Hedge fund firm Man Group fell 5.7 percent after it said assets under management fell 4 percent to $42.4 billion in the three months to December due to losses from its underperforming flagship strategy AHL and client outflows.