European Shares up boosted by energy and financial sectors

European stocks rose today, Thursday, for the second consecutive session, supported by stocks in the financial and energy sectors, as investors were optimistic about improving consumer sentiment in the United States after the decline in inflation expectations.

According to “Reuters”, the European Stoxx 600 index rose 0.3 percent by 0809 GMT in quiet trading due to the holiday, tracing the impact of an optimistic session on Wall Street on Wednesday night.

Wall Street’s main indexes posted their biggest daily gains so far this month on Wednesday, boosted by data showing US consumer confidence rose to an eight-month high in December as inflation eased and the labor market maintained its strength.

Stoxx 600 index gained 0.7% led by the energy sector supported by the rise in oil prices.

Banking stocks rose 0.5 percent for the fifth consecutive session.