Brussels, April 17 (QNA) - European stock markets opened cautiously on Friday as investors await developments in the Middle East and corporate earnings results.

The STOXX Europe 600 is on track for a fourth consecutive weekly gain, despite a slight decline of 0.04 percent to 616.71 points.

Among major markets, the CAC 40 in Paris rose 0.19 percent, while the DAX in Frankfurt remained broadly stable, edging up 0.03 percent. The FTSE 100 in London slipped slightly by 0.12 percent.

By sector, consumer discretionary stocks led gains with 0.4 percent rise, while industrials declined by 0.5 percent. (QNA)