European stock markets sustained record highs on Friday, driven by improved outlooks on central bank policies and Europe's economic recovery.
The Paris Stock Exchange set a new session record as the CAC 40 index climbed to 8,256.71 points, up by 0.84% at around 11:00 on Friday morning, surpassing its previous record from 28 March (8,253.59 points).
Similar trends were seen across Europe, with London continually breaking records since 23 April, and Frankfurt setting a new record on Thursday, which was surpassed on Friday.
Likewise, the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, the European Stoxx600 index, along with major indices in Italy, Spain and Poland, are near their annual highs.
After a challenging April, stock markets have rallied as central banks signal easing economic pressures by lowering short to medium term interest rates.
Economic performance in Europe favours investors. Indicators point towards a revival in activity following several quarters where the eurozone nearly dipped into recession and the UK did.
April activity indicators for the eurozone (PMI) show improvement. On Friday, the UK's Office for National Statistics revealed that the country's gross domestic product grew by 0.6% in the first three months of the year, higher than analysts’ forecasts.
