Brussels, February 13 (QNA) - European stock indices closed lower on Friday, amid fluctuations in global markets during a volatile week, influenced by investor concerns about the repercussions of developments related to the artificial intelligence sector and their impact on financial markets.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index ended the trading session, down 0.13 percent at 617.7 points, but still managed a slight weekly gain, closing a volatile week up 0.09 percent.

The banking sector sub-index fell by 5.4 percent, recording its biggest weekly decline in more than ten months, making it the worst-performing sector.

France's CAC 40 index fell 0.35 percent to close at 8,311.74 points, posting a weekly loss, while Britain's FTSE 100 rose 0.42 percent to 10,446.35 points, achieving a slight weekly gain.

Germany's DAX index also climbed 0.20 percent to 24,903.39 points, registering modest weekly gains.

Italy's main index, heavily weighted towards the financial sector, declined 1.7 percent.

In contrast, technology stocks rose 1.7 percent, while the defense sector led the gains, climbing 3.3 percent.

Shares of French aerospace group Safran jumped 8.3 percent to a new record high after it announced revenue and profit forecasts for 2026. (QNA)