Brussels, April 10 (QNA) - European stocks rose slightly on Friday, with the benchmark STOXX 600 index on track for weekly gains, amid cautious optimism among investors ahead of anticipated diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index climbed 0.2 percent to 613.48 points, heading for its third consecutive weekly gain.

France's CAC 40 index in Paris also rose 0.02 percent, while Germany's DAX index in Frankfurt gained 0.07 percent.

Italy's FTSE MIB index in Milan edged up 0.09 percent, while Britain's FTSE 100 index slipped 0.02 percent.

Healthcare and technology stocks led the gains in Europe today, rising 0.5 percent and 0.6 percent, respectively.

On the other hand, energy stocks fell 0.7 percent, despite rising oil prices during the day.

European stocks surged on Wednesday, posting their biggest one-day gain in more than four years, following news of a ceasefire in the Middle East. (QNA)