European stocks rise, led by industrial and technology sectors

European stocks opened higher on Wednesday, with the industrial and technology sectors recording the largest gains, while markets remained focused on inflation data in the United States and the French elections scheduled for early next week.

By 07:12 GMT, the European STOXX 600 index rose 0.4%, as shares of automakers led gains in early trading, rising 1.2%, according to Reuters.

The focus will be on the first round of the French parliamentary elections at a time when opinion polls show progress for the far-right National Rally party and its allies.

The main index in France began the week’s trading with an increase of 0.2%.

German Zalando shares fell 6.7% after Morgan Stanley lowered its assessment of the online retail company, and Hochtief Construction shares jumped 6.6%.