19.04.201820:26:00UTC+00European Markets Mixed as Earnings Reports Roll in

European markets ended mixed on Thursday as investors priced in new earnings reports and surging oil prices.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 edged up 0.2 percent, with major bourses and business sectors pointing in different directions.

France's CAC 40 climbed 0.2 percent to 5,391.64, and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 index rose 0.2 percent to 7,328.92. Spain's IBEX 35 added 0.1 percent to 9,868.00. Germany's DAX 30 index fell 0.2 percent to close at 12,567.42, as shares of lender Deutsche Bank AG lost ground.

Household goods led the losses, as it plunged 1.9 percent. Unilever was among the sector's worst performers after the Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant posted sales figures that were in line with expectations during the first three months of the year. The maker of Dove soap also said it remained confident shareholders would support its decision to change the corporate structure of the firm. Shares of Unilever lost almost 2.2 percent.

Media stocks rallied during the day's trade, rising 1.7 percent. France's Publicis Group reported better-than-expected underlying sales growth in the first-quarter, buoyed by a bounce in North American activities. Its shares closed 7.4 percent to the upside, topping the European benchmark.

Oil stocks outperformed as oil and Brent crude prices each gained roughly 1.5 percent during the session, leaving the Stoxx Europe 600 Oil & Gas Index higher by 1.1 percent and up for a third consecutive session. Among oil shares, oil producer Tullow Oil rose 3.8 percent, and Total SA climbed 1.2 percent.

Britain's Weir Group was the third best performing stock, with its shares closing 6.2 percent higher. The firm, which makes pumps and valves for mining and energy industries, announced it would try to purchase U.S.-based ESCO Corp for an equity value of more than $1 billion.