European stocks rise ahead of Trump inauguration

European stock markets rose at the start of trading this week, with markets focused on the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump later on Monday.

Most major indices opened slightly higher, as investors assessed how markets would perform during US President Donald Trump’s second term.

According to CNBC, the pan-European Stoxx 600 index rose 0.17% to 524.49 points.

Germany’s DAX index rose 0.01% to 20,906.01 points.

UK’s FTSE 100 index rose 0.16% to 8,518.41 points.

France’s CAC 40 index rose 0.26% to 7,729.92 points.

US stocks rose after his election victory in November, as investors bet on easing regulatory restrictions and lower taxes.

But globally, his pledge to impose sweeping tariffs on imports into the United States is raising concerns, with economists saying the policy could fuel inflation and put additional pressure on American consumers. At a pre-inauguration dinner Sunday night, Trump said he would sign nearly 100 executive orders on the first day of his second term.

In Europe, investors are gearing up for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this week. Political leaders, business leaders and others will gather in the mountain resort to discuss a wide range of issues, from boosting economic growth to the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. The forum begins Monday, but picks up significantly on Tuesday.

There are no earnings announcements or major economic data scheduled in Europe on Monday, while U.S. financial markets are closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.