STOCKS NEWS EUROPE-Index futures point to higher start

European stock index futures advance in early trade, indicating a higher open for equities, as a rise in U.S. and Asian markets suggests that the market has potential to post further gains.

Futures for the Eurostoxx 50 STXEc1, Germany's DAX FDXc1 and the French CAC FCEc1 are up 0.4-0.6 percent.

The FTSEurofirst 300 .FTEU3 index of top European shares rose 0.5 percent in the previous session, while U.S. stocks rose on Thursday as investors returned to financial and technology shares.

Japan's Nikkei share average .N225 rose 1.9 percent on Friday.

MAJOR EUROPEAN COMPANIES REPORTING:

Belgacom (BCOM.BR)

Prosafe (PRSO.OL)

Thales (TCFP.PA)

Terna (TRN.MI)

PSP Swiss Property (PSPN.S)

Derwent London (DLN.L)

Banca Monte dei Paschi de Siena (BMPS.MI)

MAJOR US COMPANIES REPORTING:

Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF)

JCPenney (JCP)