Stocks rise in jittery trade, focus on Middle East and jobs data

Global stocks rose on Friday while oil prices were headed for their biggest weekly gain in two years, as escalating tensions in the Middle East kept markets on edge.

With the all-important monthly U.S. nonfarm payrolls report just hours away, investors were reluctant to drive any asset prices too hard in one direction or another.

The payrolls report could prove instrumental in setting the path of monetary policy in the coming months. Traders have already reeled in their bigger...