European Stocks Rise in Support of Easing And Vaccine Hopes

European stocks held near their nine-month highs on Wednesday, November 25, as sentiment remained high, supported by an easing of restrictions linked to the Coronavirus in the region and growing hopes that a vaccine would soon be ready.

The European Stoxx600 index rose 0.3%, as banking services stocks rose 1.6% after a report said that the European Central Bank may indicate the lifting of a ban on bank dividends next year.

Energy stocks continued to rise, as the increase in crude prices continued, fueling hopes for a rapid recovery in fuel demand.

The FTSE100 index of leading stocks in London rose 0.4%, and the French CAC40 gained 0.4% in early trade.