European Markets Open Higher

On Thursday, European stock markets opened higher, with significant gains observed across major indexes. The Euro Stoxx 50 and CAC 40 notably surged by over 1.3%, signaling a positive start to the trading day. This uptick comes amidst a flurry of economic data releases from key European nations.

Economic Data Highlights

The United Kingdom released its latest GDP figures, showing a modest growth of 0.1% in November. Additionally, reports on industrial production and trade balance were shared, providing insights into the UK's economic health. Meanwhile, Germany confirmed its final inflation rate for December 2024, which saw an increase from 2.2% to 2.6%.

Market Performance

At the opening bell, the DAX gained 0.37%, while the FTSE 100 started the session 0.42% higher. The euro remained stable against the dollar, trading flat at 8:59 am CET. Conversely, the pound saw a slight decrease of 0.20% against the dollar at the same time.

Looking Ahead

Later in the day, Italy is set to release its consumer price index figures, and the euro area will disclose its trade balance data. Investors and analysts alike are keenly awaiting these updates, which could further influence market movements.