European stocks rise after interest rates are held steady, and the FTSE hits a record high.

 

European stocks

European stocks rise after interest rates are held steady, and the FTSE hits a record high.

European stocks rose at the close of trading on Thursday, after the European Central Bank held interest rates steady at 2%, amid ongoing trade negotiations between the United States and the European Union.

The Stoxx Europe 600 index rose 0.25% to 551.55 points, with positive performances across most major exchanges.

The German DAX index rose 0.25% to 24,295 points, the British FTSE 100 index rose 0.85% to a new record closing level of 9,138 points, while the French CAC 40 declined 0.4% to 7,818 points.

The European Central Bank held interest rates steady at 2% during today's meeting, noting that inflation had returned to its target level and stressing that the global economic environment remains unstable.

ECB President Christine Lagarde also noted that the region's economy still faces some challenges despite the recent decline in inflationary pressures due to the slowdown in wage growth.