Europe open: Shares up as investors eye central bank meetings
European shares made a solid start on Monday in what was expected to be a quiet session with much of the Continent on holiday.
The pan-European Stoxx 600 index was up 0.87% in early deals. Investors will be eyeing central bank policy meetings in the US and UK later in the week.
Asian markets were mixed as weak Chinese economic data weighed on sentiment. Japanese stocks surged after the outcome of the elections triggered expectations of more fiscal stimulus.
In equity news, Barclays Bank shares fell as chief executive Jes Staley stood down in response to the findings of a probe by UK financial regulators into his characterisation of his relationship with convicted sex offender and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Howden Joinery shares rose as the building materials merchant said it expected annual profits to be at the top end of expectations due to the continuing demand for home DIY.
Shares in French drugmaker Sanofi were up after HSBC upgraded the stock to ‘buy’.
Pandora, the world’s largest jewellery maker, fell 4% despite raising its outlook for the year.