Global Economy
European Stocks Rise at Open as Investors Await Fed Decision
European equity markets opened higher on Wednesday, boosted by a slight pullback in oil prices after an Iraq‑Kurdish deal to restart exports via the Turkish port of Ceyhan. The gain came as traders shifted focus to the upcoming U.S. Federal Reserve policy decision later in the day. Key indices such as the CAC 40, DAX, FTSE 100 and the broader EuroStoxx 50 posted solid advances, while Brent crude stayed above $100 a barrel amid continued Middle‑East tensions. Investors are also watching the European Central Bank’s policy announcement scheduled for Thursday.
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European equity markets opened higher on Wednesday, buoyed by a modest retreat in crude oil prices after an agreement between the Iraqi government and Kurdish authorities to resume oil exports through Turkey’s Ceyhan port.
In early trading, the French CAC 40 added 0.77% to reach 8,035.89 points around 08:11 GMT, Germany’s DAX rose 0.62% and Britain’s FTSE 100 gained 0.19%. The broader EuroStoxx 50 climbed 0.87%, the FTSEurofirst 300 advanced 0.53% and the Stoxx 600 increased 0.58%.
Although Brent crude remains above the $100‑a‑barrel mark, the dip eased some inflation‑linked worries. Geopolitical tension persists, with reported U.S. strikes overnight near the Strait of Hormuz adding to the uncertain backdrop.
Market attention is now fixed on the forthcoming monetary policy decision from the U.S. Federal Reserve later today, where officials’ views on inflation and growth will be closely scrutinised. The European Central Bank is set to announce its own policy stance on Thursday.
Source: Reuters