European stocks were mostly unchanged from opening levels on Friday as a rebound among mining stocks offset weakness among music stocks.
With little economic data for investors to feed on, market momentum lacked conviction in either direction.
"The current climate of high oil prices, uncertainty over the US economy and the prospect of a close-run presidential election is leaving many traders unwilling to commit themselves," said Paul Webb, a trader at CMC Group.
The Dow Jones STOXX 600 Index, which tracks Europe's 600 largest listed companies, was down 0.1 percent at 239.91. The Dow Jones Euro STOXX Index, which tracks companies in countries that joined the common currency, was 0.1 percent higher at 228.83.
At the close of trading, London's FTSE-100 Share Index was 0.04 percent lower at 4,615.4, while in Paris the CAC-40 Index was down 0.01 percent at 3,687.17. Frankfurt's Xetra Dax Index was up 0.03 percent at 3,935.14.
Media stocks were under pressure from the start of trading amid reports that Eliot Spitzer, the New York attorney general, opened an investigation into the ways global music companies secure radio airplay for their releases.
In London, EMI fell 1.4 percent to £2.17. In Paris, Vivendi Universal led the CAC-40 decliners, falling 2.1 percent to 20.93 euros.
Mining stocks, however, were performing strongly, spurred by relief over still-strong Chinese growth. Shares in Xstrata gained 1.6 percent to £8.88 in London and Rio Tinto rose 0.3 percent to £14.55.
Technology stocks remained under a cloud after a disappointing outlook statement overnight from software giant Microsoft.
Ericsson, the world's largest maker of mobile-telecom equipment, reported strong third-quarter earnings on Friday but remained cautious on its outlook. Despite initial losses, its shares recovered in the afternoon, ending up 1.6 percent at S$43.43.
Also bucking the trend, French telecom company Alcatel extended its previous session rally topping the CAC-40's gainers as investors continued to welcome a contract win with SBC Communications. Alcatel shares rose 2.5 percent to 11.22 euros.
Merger and acquisition activity dominated UK trade. Mid-cap fire-equipment maker Kidde extended Thursday's rally for a second session.
Investors speculated that United Technologies would return with an improved bid after Kidde said on Thursday it had rejected a cash offer of up to £1.60 per share. Shares gained 17.24 percent to £1.70.
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