European markets opened higher Thursday ahead of the European Central Bank’s monetary meeting, where it is expected to increase the policy rate by 75 basis points for the first time in its history.
Investors are being focused on governor Christine Lagarde’s clues about the bank’s stance in the face of the war-driven energy crisis affecting the region and record levels of inflation.
The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European market in 17 countries, was up 0.54% at 413.3 at Thursday’s opening compared to the previous close.
The UK’s FTSE 100 index increased 0.37%, or 21.92 points, to 7,264.
Germany’s DAX 30 was up by 0.69% to 13,706 points.
France’s CAC 40 rose 0.57% to open the day at 6,141 points.
Italy’s FTSE MIB went up 0.54%, or 21.605 points, to 21,509, while Spain’s IBEX 35 was up 0.13% at 7,865.
Source: Anadolu Agency