With reports that several countries are preparing to lift lockdown measures imposed by COVID-19 restrictions this week, it’s good news for stock markets, which have started the week strong.
With equities rallying across Asia-Pacific bourses, with Japan’s Nikkei gaining 2.8 per cent and China’s CSI 300 up one percent, South Korea’s KOSPI 200 gained 1.8 per cent this morning, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 is 1.5 per cent higher.
And its good news for Europe too, with traders feeling optimistic as France, Italy and Spain ready themselves to loosen restrictions. European stock markets were all higher in early trading, with the UK’s FTSE 100 jumping by 90 points at the start of trading this morning, going up a healthy 98 points after an hour’s trading – nearly its highest level in six weeks.
Meanwhile, Italy’s stock market is also looking good, with the FTSE MIB index jumping 2.3 per cent in early trading.