Major stock markets in Europe opened higher on Thursday ahead of the European Central Bank's decision on its key interest rates, which are expected to be reduced by 25 basis points later today. Investors also anticipated GDP reports from Germany, Italy, the United States, and the Eurozone while digesting this morning's earnings reports from Deutsche Bank, Roche, Sanofi, Shell, and others.
The DAX rose by 0.28% at the open, with Deutsche Bank up by 1.42% at 9:00 am CET, while the FTSE advanced by 0.12%, as Airtel Africa added 3.01%. At the same time, the CAC 40 climbed by 0.39%, with Schneider Electric soaring by 1.60%. The Euro Stoxx 50 grew by 0.49% at the opening bell, as Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria jumped by 2.76% at 9:01 am CET.
The euro gained 0.12% against the dollar and sold for $1.04229 at 8:58 am CET. Meanwhile, the pound was up by 0.11% compared to the dollar at 8:59 am CET, selling for $1.24526.