Skip Header
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

Europe open: Shares make strong start ahead of ECB rate call

(Sharecast News) - European markets made a strong start to the week as investors look ahead to a European Central Bank interest rate decision on Thursday, widely expected to be a 25 basis point cut. The pan-regional Stoxx 600 index was up 0.83% at the open to 522.42 with all major markets higher. Germany's DAX was up 1.02% to 18,672, while France's CAC 40 was up 0.96% to 8,064.

Economists and traders widely expect a 25 basis point rate cut - the ECB's first since 2019.

It would also mark the first time the ECB has cut rates ahead of the US Federal Reserve although optimism around successive rate cuts has waned in recent weeks as persistent 'sticky' inflation in the eurozone has led to policymakers to make more hawkish comments on the future path of monetary easing.

In economic news, activity in China's manufacturing sector grew in May at the fastest rate in two years, according to data released on Monday.

The Caixin/S&P Global manufacturing purchasing managers' index rose to 51.7 from 51.4 in April, hitting its highest level since June 2022 and coming in ahead of consensus expectations of 51.5.

A reading above 50.0 signals expansion while a reading below indicates contraction.

On the equities front, Thule Group and St James's Place both led the risers with gains of more than 5%.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

US pre-open: Futures mixed as tariffs remain in focus
(Sharecast News) - Wall Street futures were mixed ahead of the bell on Friday as traders continued to assess the impact of Donald Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs on the US economy.
London midday: Nine-day rally loses steam as markets flatline
(Sharecast News) - London's top-tier equity index was struggling for direction on Friday as investors locked in profits following nine straight days of gains, driven by easing trade tensions and hopes of a rate cut by the Federal Reserve.
Asia close: Stocks mostly higher, save in Shanghai
(Sharecast News) - Stock markets in the Asia Pacific region were mostly higher on Friday, following reports that Beijing might walk back its 125% tariffs on certain imports from the US.
Europe open: Shares rally on hopes of easing in trade war tensions
(Sharecast News) - European shares rallied at the open on Friday as China signalled a potential de-escalation of its trade war with the US.

Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Award-winning online share dealing

Search, compare and select from thousands of shares.

Expert insights into investing your money

Our team of experts explore the world of share dealing.