European Markets Open Higher Amid Trade Hopes

European markets experienced a positive start on Friday, buoyed by a combination of robust corporate earnings and encouraging signs from the trade front. Reports suggest China is quietly easing some retaliatory tariffs on US-made chips, following recent trade discussions between Washington and Beijing.

UK Retail Sales Exceed Expectations

Adding to the upbeat mood, the UK reported better-than-expected retail sales for March, with volumes up by 2.6% year-on-year. This positive data has further lifted market sentiment across Europe.

Market Highlights

At 9:00 am CET, key indices showed notable gains: the DAX advanced 0.47%, the EURO STOXX 50 gained 0.83%, the French CAC 40 rose by 0.37%, and the British FTSE 100 increased by 0.31%.

Currency Movements

In currency markets, the euro was down 0.41% against the US dollar, trading at $1.13433, while the pound lost 0.27% to $1.33071 at 8:58 am CET.

More updates to follow...