European stocks open higher

European shares started Thursday’s session higher to consolidate gains in the previous session after data showed signs of slowing inflation in the United States, while shares of Dutch insurance company Aegon rose after raising its full-year forecast.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index rose 0.4 percent after its best session in nearly two weeks on Wednesday on bets that inflation data will encourage the Federal Reserve (the US central bank) to slow down in raising interest rates.

Aegon shares jumped 7.5 percent to top the Stoxx 600 after raising its forecast for full-year working capital generation and free cash flow in 2021-2023.

The European insurance sector index rose 0.8 percent in early trading and was among the biggest gainers.

Zurich Insurance Group also rose 1.3 percent after announcing a better-than-expected operating profit increase in the first half.