European stocks surged to record highs this week, with the STOXX 600 and Germany's DAX hitting all-time peaks. Investors are betting against an imminent US rate hike, boosting cyclical stocks. Defence shares also climbed amid geopolitical tensions. Signs of easing inflation and a balanced economic outlook in the Eurozone are further supporting the rally, making European markets attractive due to lower valuations.

The STOXX Europe 600 Index is up 9.04 points or 1.41% today to 648.35

Europe's STOXX 600 hovered near record highs on Friday and headed for its best week since mid-May, supported by gains in defence and cyclical stocks. Investors shrugged off…