European Shares Fall as Tech Decline

European shares fell, as a decline in the technology sector offset the impact of gains in oil and auto stocks, while investors remained cautious ahead of the US jobs data.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index fell 0.2 percent after technology shares fell 0.9 percent, while oil and gas shares jumped 1.1 percent due to higher oil prices amid doubts that the US government will withdraw from its strategic reserves.

However, the benchmark index was on course for a weekly gain as relief over the temporary lifting of the US debt ceiling dispelled fears that higher energy costs would drive up inflation.

Shares of UK travel companies, including British Airways owner IAG, Whitbread and Ryanair, rose between 0.5 and 2.9 percent.