European shares close higher on interest rate expectations

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European stock indices rose during today’s trading as investors turned their attention to speculations of monetary policy tightening.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said the bank may start raising rates by early summer after completing asset purchases.

Banking officials in the European Union also demanded the necessity of raising interest rates above zero in order to curb high inflation in the eurozone.

At the end of trading, the benchmark “Stoxx Europe 600” index rose by 1.7%, or 7 points, to 427 points. The British “FTSE 100” rose by 1.4% to 7,347 points, the German “Dax” rose 2.2% to 13,838 points, while the French “CAC” rose 2.5% to 6269 points.