Europe Stocks Slightly Up, Rentokil Jumps

European stock markets moved higher in early trading on Monday, as investors look ahead to a week that includes a potential interest-rate cut from the European Central Bank.

The Stoxx Europe 600 index rose 0.5% to 297.31, Rentokil Initial PLC leading gainers with a nearly 7% jump after posting a profit fall and selling its City Link unit. On the downside, Balfour Beatty PLC dropped 8% on a reported profit warning, while Aker Solutions ASA slumped 21% as it released earnings early, saying results considerably lag estimates.

Among the major indices, the French CAC 40 index rose 1% to 3,850.13, with Sanofi SA up over 1%, the German DAX 30 rose 0.6% to 7,862.11 and the FTSE 100 index rose 0.2% to 6,444.64.

Marketwatch