Europe kicks off in green with data, UK stimulus in focus
Equities on European major stock markets gained at the opening bell on Thursday as investors mainly focus on positive data that sparked hopes of economic recovery after the coronavirus crisis. Germany's trade surplus surged to €7.1 billion in May from a 20-year low figure recorded the month prior.
Meanwhile, optimism in the United Kingdom over the country's rebound from the crisis grew after UK Chancellor of Exchequer Rishi Sunak unveiled Plan for Jobs, a £30 billion stimulus package to back the pandemic-affected economy.
The DAX strengthened 1.16% to start the session with SAP SE jumping over 6%. The CAC 40 added 0.60% as Capgemini improved by nearly 2% and the FTSE 100 went up by 0.26% at the same time with Persimmon Plc gaining over 5%.
The euro increased 0.27% against the dollar, trading for 1.13602 at 9:01 am CET, while the British pound ticked 0.29% higher to go for $1.26469 a minute later.