Stock markets fluctuated and gold futures hit a record high Friday, tracking the latest twists in US President Donald Trump's tariffs spree.

Oil prices steadied after declining the previous day on news of a meeting between Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin in coming weeks, which raised hopes of a truce with Ukraine.

London's FTSE 100 was flat, Paris stocks edged up and Frankfurt dipped in early afternoon deals.

Japanese stocks led the way on a mostly negative day for Asian markets, fuelled by relief that Tokyo and Washington had settled a tariff issue that raised concerns about their trade deal.

"Since the tariff agreement between the US and the European Union, some clarity has emerged, but confusion around its implementation is just beginning to surface," said Jochen Stanzl, chi

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