European stocks slightly higher as investors monitor U.S. stimulus hopes

European stocks advanced as signs of progress on fresh U.S. government stimulus efforts seemingly outweighed concerns about a burgeoning coronavirus resurgence worldwide.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 added 0.5 percent in early trade, with construction and material stocks climbing 1% to lead gains while household goods dropped 0.5 percent.

European markets look set to outstrip the mixed trend set in Asia overnight, where South Korea’s Kospi led gains while Japanese and Australian stocks lagged.