Brussels, European stock indices closed slightly higher on Monday, with government bond yields declining, in light of the possibility of the European Central Bank (ECB) reducing interest rates, despite weak trading coinciding with holidays in some major global markets.
The European Stoxx 600 index closed with an increase of about 0.3 percent, approaching an unprecedented high level recorded this month.
Most of the major sectors on the stoxx600 index ended their trading on the rise, led by the utility companies index, which gained 1.1 percent, while the automobile companies index rose by 1 percent.
The German DAX index rose by 0.45 percent to 18,774 points, while the French CAC 40 rose by approximately the same rate, closing at 8,132 points.
Government bond yields fell across the continent, with the yield on benchmark ten-year bonds reaching 2.547 percent.
The European Central Bank (ECB) is likely to start lowering interest rates at its meeting next week, as expectations show a probability of more than 90
percent to move in this direction, according to data from the London Stock Exchange Group.
Source: Qatar News Agency
