Europe’s STOXX 600 rises on travel, leisure

Europe’s STOXX 600 index notched up a 0.1 per cent by 0715 GMT on Monday, led by a surge in travel and leisure stocks, positioning them as the day’s leading sector, Reuters reported.

This comes ahead of pivotal US inflation data and comprehensive economic figures from the eurozone, poised to challenge the index’s recent record-setting performance.

Previously, the STOXX 600 achieved a historic peak on Friday, capping off the week with its most substantial gain of 3 per cent since January, buoyed by robust corporate earnings.

Investors are now turning their focus to the forthcoming US producer and consumer price inflation reports, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

Additionally, the eurozone’s definitive inflation numbers and preliminary GDP data for the first quarter will be closely scrutinised later in the week, offering insights into the global monetary policy direction.

Notable movements in individual stocks included the 8.1 per cent leap in Maersk shares, which topped the STOXX 600 as the market reopened after a two-day hiatus.

Meanwhile, Italian diagnostics firm Diasorin enjoyed a 2.3 per cent increase, building on its post-earnings momentum from Friday. German electronics retailer Ceconomy also saw a 4 per cent rise following the announcement of its annual earnings surpassing expectations.