LIVE MARKETS-Glencore steals the show in early trading

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GLENCORE STEALS THE SHOW IN EARLY TRADING

European shares have posted decent gains in the first hour of trading with the STOXX 600 back at a record high, and because the big macroeconomic news is still to come, it's Glencore that is drawing most of the eyes.

Its shares GLEN.L are up 8.4%, at the top of the STOXX 600 after Rio Tinto RIO.L said it is in early talks to buy Glencore, a deal that would create the world’s largest mining company.

Under the surface tech stocks are also having a good day, up 1.8% helped by decent revenue reported by chip giant TSMC 2330.TW earlier in the day

And in the biggest picture, the STOXX 600 .STOXX is up 0.45%, on the day 1.7% on the week so far. Unless something dramatic happens -- and of course it could -- it'll be the STOXX's fourth week in a row of gains.

To come, U.S. payrolls, maybe a Supreme Court ruling on tariffs, and plenty of other world news -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is currently giving a speech.

(Alun John)

FOR EARLIER LIVE MARKETS POSTS:

EUROPE BEFORE THE BELL: BUSY DAY AHEAD CLICK HERE

MORNING BID EUROPE: A ONE-TWO PAYROLLS, TARIFF SUCKER PUNCH? CLICK HERE