European stocks fell slightly on Friday, following U.S. stockslimitholdemWith a slight correction in 2010, remarks by central bank officials dampened optimism about the prospect of interest rate cuts.

The Stoxx 600 index fell 0.0%limitholdem.1%, dragged down by interest-sensitive sectors such as utilities and real estate. Banking and consumer goods sectors performed well, with luxury goods company Richemont's share price soaring after appointing Nicolas Bos as its new CEO.

European Central Bank Executive Committee member Isabel Schnabel warned against consecutive interest rate cuts in June and July, saying inflation risks still tend to upward and caution should be adopted, which gave markets a sober tone. Three Fed officials have suggested that interest rates should remain high for a longer period of time.

Tatjana Puhan, head of asset allocation at Swiss Re, said sentiment swings around monetary policy expectations are normal.

Still, given that the central bank is currently unlikely to raise interest rates further,"and we are still in a relatively favorable growth environment, investing in risky assets remains a good option in the coming weeks and may have moderate upside potential," Puhan added.