In initial deals, London's benchmark FTSE 100 index was flat at 7,417.31 points.

In the eurozone, Frankfurt's DAX 30 index dropped 0.3 percent to 11,902.37 points and the Paris CAC 40 declined 0.2 percent to 5,476.97.

Market observers will be looking for a read of the US corporate landscape in the first three months of the year when the reporting season gets underway later Friday.

The firms' forecasts will be pored over but overall expectations for the quarter are low.