European markets open higher
European markets opened higher on Thursday, as regional investors await the last monetary policy decision from the European Central Bank (ECB) this year.
The pan-European Stoxx 600 index was up 0.14%, with all major bourses and most sectors trading in the green. Oil and gas stocks added 0.92% while media stocks dipped 0.28%.
The U.K.’s FTSE 100 index was 0.14% higher at 8,313, Germany’s DAX up 0.23% at 20,444, France’s CAC 0.4% higher at 7,451 and Italy’s FTSE MIB up 0.51% higher at 34,912.
— Karen Gilchrist
ECB set to poise Europe for growth in 2025 with cut and move signals, Goldman Sachs says
The European Central Bank is set to cut rates by 25 basis points on Thursday and signal further reductions to come, teeing up Europe for stronger economic growth in 2025, according to Goldman Sachs.
“We do think the ECB will go gradually … but I do think there’s going to be some acknowledgement today that rates are headed into a lower direction,” Chief European Economist Jari Stehn told CNBC ahead of the decision.
“Lower rates will help somewhat with savings and boosting consumer spending, and that is one reason why we do think Europe will grow next year,” he added.
CNBC Pro: Analysts have hiked price targets on these 5 stocks ahead of earnings next month
Analysts have hiked price targets on these 5 stocks ahead of earnings next month
At least ten Wall Street analysts have turned bullish on four of those five stocks ahead of their quarterly earnings reports.
CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here.
— Ganesh Rao
European markets: Here are the opening calls
European markets are expected to open in mixed territory Thursday.
The U.K.’s FTSE 100 index is expected to open 10 points higher at 8,308, Germany’s DAX down 12 points at 20,398, France’s CAC up 11 points at 7,437 and Italy’s FTSE MIB up 67 points at 34,787, according to data from IG.
The European Central Bank and Swiss National Bank both announce monetary policy decisions today. No major earnings are expected.
— Holly Ellyatt
