European Markets Show Strength Ahead of ECB Announcement

As the European Central Bank (ECB) prepares to announce its latest monetary policy decision, major equities across Europe have seen a notable uptick. Investors are on the edge of their seats, anticipating the ECB's move, which is widely expected to maintain current interest rates following a series of reductions earlier this year.

Key Market Movements: The DAX increased by 1.12%, the Euro Stoxx 50 by 1.38%, and the CAC 40 by 0.74%. Meanwhile, London's FTSE 100 also enjoyed gains, trading 0.49% higher.

In currency markets, the euro and the pound remained stable against the dollar, with exchange rates holding at 1.17732 and 1.35778, respectively.

EU Leaders Engage in Critical Trade Talks with China

Amidst the financial anticipation, top EU leaders are actively involved in trade discussions with China in Beijing, aiming to address and rectify trade imbalances between the two economic powerhouses.