European stocks closed trading session on Thursday, April 18, with a rise, as speculation continues regarding the first interest rate cut from the European Central Bank.
The European STOXX 600 index rose at the close by 1.59 points, or 0.32%, to the level of 500.11 points, with sectors varying. Banking stocks topped the gains by 1.6%, while oil and gas stocks fell by 1.46% after the sharp decline in oil prices on Wednesday, April 17. Technology stocks were also trading solidly in the red.
The German DAX index closed up 80.79 points, or 0.45%, to the level of 17,850.81 points. The British FTSE 100 index rose 29.06 points, or 0.37%, at the end of trading to the level of 7,877.05 points. As for the French CAC 40 index, it rose 41.75 points, or 0.52%, to the level. 8023.26 points.
