FRANKFURT: European shares rose on Thursday as lower oil prices and a pause in the global bond selloff lifted risk appetite after the US Federal Reserve delivered its widely expected interest-rate hike.
The pan-European STOXX 600 gained 0.9 percent to 642.6 points, with most regional markets advancing.
Metal mining shares led the gains, jumping 2.1 percent.
Automakers rose 1.7 percent, led by gains of around 2 percent for BMW, Renault and Volkswagen.
Brent crude extended losses for a second day after reports that Saudi Arabia was offering additional cargoes through Oman, though prices remained above USD100 a barrel. Europe’s energy sector nonetheless edged up 0.1 percent.
The Fed’s first rate increase in three years on Wednesday reinforced expectations that major central banks are stepping up efforts to curb inflation. US Treasury yields fell on Thursday as investors assessed the decision and signals of further tightening ahead.
Investors also focused on the Bank of England, which held rates steady while warning that soaring energy costs would intensify inflation pressures.
The UK’s blue-chip FTSE 100 climbed 1.2 percent, marking its biggest one-day gain in over two months.
Euro zone inflation was revised slightly lower to an annual 3.2 percent in August, from a preliminary estimate of 3.3 percent.
In Sweden, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said he would resign after the centre-left opposition won a narrow parliamentary majority in Sunday’s election.
The Social Democrats, led by former Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, are set to lead talks on forming the next government. Sweden’s benchmark index rose 1.1 percent.
Among other stocks, Berentzen jumped 19.4 percent after the German spirits manufacturer confirmed its negotiations regarding a potential takeover bid from New Orleans-based alcohol producer Sazerac.
Poland’s biggest e-commerce platform Allegro raised its 2026 forecasts while confirming second-quarter results exceeded guidance, sending its shares to the top of the STOXX 600 leaderboard, up 9.5 percent.
Helvetia Baloise gained 5.3 percent, after the Swiss insurance group released results for the first half of the year, with underlying earnings coming ahead of expectations.
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