European shares set for weekly gain as good earnings offset political worries

By Danilo Masoni MILAN (Reuters) - European shares were slightly higher on Friday, on track to end the week in positive territory as healthy corporate earnings, solid economic data and merger activity helped set aside worries over the region's political stability. "Sentiment today is supported by good economic data from China, Italy and the UK ... but the week has seen ups and downs as investors seek reassurance that Europe will hold together," said Carlo Alberto De Casa, Chief Analyst at ActivT