European shares rise as investors assess a wave of corporate earnings

European shares rose today, as signs of a possible easing of US-China trade tensions lifted risk appetite, as investors assessed a wave of corporate earnings and awaited key economic data. The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 0.9%.

Shell shares rose 2.3% after the oil giant reported a 28% drop in first-quarter net profit, exceeding analysts’ expectations.

China said it was evaluating an offer from Washington for talks on US President Donald Trump’s 145% tariffs, and that Beijing’s door was open for discussion.

It added that Washington needed to show sincerity in the negotiations and be willing to remove its unilateral tariffs.