Tech shares lead European stocks close to record highs

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The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 0.4% by 0712 GMT, holding 3 points below its all-time high after reversing Friday’s losses on a weaker-than-expected U.S. jobs data.

While a U.S. holiday is expected to result in thin market volumes, Asian shares reached six-week peaks on talk of more stimulus in Japan and China. [MKTS/GLOB]

Tech stocks rose 1.1% to a fresh two-decade high, with shares in chip equipment maker ASML and Dutch tech investor Prosus (OTC:PROSF) providing the biggest boost.

French engineering group Spie fell 4.2% after it confirmed it has submitted a non-binding offer to buy Equans, the newly created services unit of French energy group Engie.