European markets rally on US trade deal hopes

European stock markets climbed at midday on Thursday after US President Donald Trump signalled progress towards a limited trade agreement with Britain, lifting investor sentiment. A surprise interest rate cut by the Bank of England further supported gains.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 1.30 per cent by 07:38 GMT. Germany’s DAX gained 1.16 per cent, France’s CAC 40 advanced 1.09 per cent, and the UK’s FTSE 100 edged up 0.29 per cent. Spain’s IBEX 35 was the sole major index to fall, slipping 0.12 per cent.

Attribution: Investing.com, Amwal Al Ghad English