European Markets Rally on Trade Hopes and Robust Earnings

European markets experienced a positive opening this Friday, buoyed by a combination of encouraging corporate earnings and optimistic trade news. Reports suggest China is subtly reducing some retaliatory tariffs on US-made chips, sparking hopes for eased tensions between the two economic powerhouses.

Key Highlights:

The DAX saw a 0.47% increase, with Siemens Energy AG leading the charge at a 2.07% rise. The EURO STOXX 50 and French CAC 40 also enjoyed gains, with Safran SA notably jumping 4.03%. Across the channel, the FTSE 100 climbed 0.31%, supported by a 2.09% increase in F&C Investment Trust PLC shares.

Currency markets reflected the upbeat mood, though the euro and pound both saw slight declines against the US dollar, trading at $1.13433 and $1.33071 respectively.