Stock markets advance as rate tensions ease

Global stock markets rose yesterday as tensions in bond markets eased and the US corporate earnings season got off to a promising start, analysts said. European equity markets benefited from an apparent fading of tensions between Italy and the EU over Rome’s spending, and there were also glimmers of hope that Brexit talks could see some progress. “European equities are mostly higher in afternoon action, with earnings season ramping up in the US and results mostly better than forecasted, while Italian budget and UK Brexit concerns appear to be easing,” analysts at the Charles Schwab brokerage said in a note.

London stocks, however, underperformed their eurozone peers as a weak oil price dragged down shares in energy majors. Stock markets have been rocked in recent days by fears over spiking oil prices, rising US long-term interest rates and an attack by President Donald Trump on the US central bank and its policies. While none of the dangers have disappeared, investors were grateful for the reprieve from ongoing tension. “Investors may not be feeling particularly comfortable yet but we are seeing some welcome stability in the markets,” said Craig Erlam, an analyst at Oanda. Tensions over Saudi Arabia have meanwhile eased, helping to calm the oil market.