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Market Update

Europe: Banks Lead Stocks Higher

Shares in Europe climbed early Friday, tracking mostly positive Asian markets, even though investors cautiously watched rising crude oil prices.

At 12:45 p.m. (I.S.T.), Britain's FTSE, France's CAC and Germany's DAX added 0.6% to 0.8%.

Financials rose after the results of Ireland's "stress tests" were out Thursday: Barclays, BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole and Royal Bank of Scotland climbed between 1.5% and 2%.

Shares in 3i Group dropped 2.6% early after the private-equity group posted a trading update and said its investments rose 86% but sales fell 50%.

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