LONDON, Oct 21: Stocks clawed back some ground on Friday after France and Germany said a comprehensive euro zone debt deal was on its way, if a little late, although a subdued euro and choppy German bonds showed not everyone was convinced.

The long-running debt saga was meant to be resolved at a meeting of regional leaders on Sunday, but disagreement over the make-up of the sovereign rescue fund, the EFSF, stalled talks and sparked a selloff in riskier assets.

Ahead of Sunday's key summit in Brussels, it was announced that a second meeting would be held on Wednesday, lowering expectations for a lasting solution to be unveiled this weekend. —Agencies