European stocks post weekly loss as France turmoil, oil prices dent earnings optimism

By Avinash P and Niket Nishant

Oct 23 (Reuters) - European stocks suffered their steepest weekly loss since early September, as tensions in France and higher oil prices dampened the optimism sparked by some strong corporate earnings.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index .STOXX fell 0.31% to close at 635.77 points on Friday. For the week, the benchmark is down about 1.4%.

The declines cap a week packed with earnings from heavyweights such as SAP SAPG.DE, Barclays BARC.L and Kering PRTP.PA, which offered fresh insights into economic conditions and consumer sentiment.

Overall earnings estimates have improved for European companies, but higher crude prices and the unrest in France have left investors jittery.

"What's happening in France will at least persist as a market factor through the election cycle. The protests might dissipate, but it doesn't change the financial reality that France is facing," said Josh Stevens, chief investment officer at CresAlta Investment Management.

The turmoil has provided an explosive backdrop for the presidential election in the country, scheduled for April next year.

Businesses and museums planned to close during the weekend despite curbs on demonstrations as French President Emmanuel Macron seeks to restore order a week after nationwide protests turned violent.

Investors will scrutinise Moody's decision on France's credit rating, due later in the day.

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LUXURY WEAKNESS SOURS SENTIMENT

On Friday, Kering PRTP.PA dropped 16.6% after third-quarter sales at its flagship Gucci brand fell. The stock was the biggest laggard on the STOXX 600, and the luxury index .STXLUXP, the worst-performing European sector so far this year, fell 3.6%.

"The European luxury sector continues to suffer from the Middle East war and China's weakened appetite," said Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote.

L'Oreal OREP.PA climbed 5.6% after the French cosmetics group beat third-quarter sales forecasts.

Defence stocks .SXPARO dropped 3.8% for their worst day since June 1, dragged by a 10% decline in French jet engine maker Safran SAF.PA following its results.

The European Central Bank is scheduled to meet next week, with investors pricing in more than a 91% probability that it holds interest rates steady.

The ECB has hiked interest rates twice this year to arrest price pressures stemming from elevated oil prices.

Among other stocks, Holcim HOLN.S gained 5% after the Swiss cement maker raised its full-year earnings forecast, while French food caterer Sodexo EXHO.PA rose over 6% after stronger-than-expected full-year revenue.

Volvo Cars VOLCARb.ST slumped over 24% to a record low after reporting a bigger-than-expected third-quarter operating loss and unveiling plans to cut a further 2,500 jobs.

Results from oil majors BP BP.L and Shell SHEL.L are due next week.