LONDON — European stock markets were higher Friday, as investors assessed a key U.S. jobs report showing greater-than-expected softness in the labor market.

The regional Stoxx 600 index was up 0.3% at 13:36 p.m. in London (8:36 a.m. ET), holding earlier gains shortly after the print. Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon

Stoxx 600 index.

The U.S. data is being monitored for signs to support market bets on a Federal Reserve rate cut in September, which climbed above 99% on Thursday following U.S. payrolls data .

The August jobs report out Friday showed nonfarm payrolls increased by just 22,000 for the month, well below the 75,000 expected by economists surveyed by Dow Jones.

Declines in the U.S. dollar provided an initial sign that investors saw continued support for an upc

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