In the final trading session of the week, European markets opened higher for the fourth consecutive day. Investors remain focused on geopolitical developments.
During the fourth straight session of gains, the Stoxx 600 rose around 0.5% in early trading in London, while major European indexes showed a similar trend: London’s FTSE 100 gained 0.3%, Germany’s DAX advanced 0.7%, and France’s CAC 40 climbed about 0.5%. Italy’s FTSE MIB also posted a 0.5% increase. Positive sentiment was widespread, with most regional sectors trading in positive territory from the opening bell, while the Stoxx 600 is currently on track to close the week with an overall gain of 2.25%.
Nevertheless, in the energy sector, the oil rally continues, supported by expectations of still-strong demand and positive sentiment across global markets. Brent crude rose 2.74% to $105.39 per barrel, while WTI gained 2.21%, reaching $98.48 per barrel. Natural gas, however, moved lower, falling 0.43% to $3.005.