European Shares end Slightly Higher
In the UK hopes for a clean Brexit treaty let the pound rise.
London + 1.07%. UK inflation slowed in November, with consumer prices rising 0.3% y / y, after rising 0.7% in October versus a forecast of 0.6%. Germany + 1.28%. December Manufacturing Flash PMI 58.6 vs. 56.5 expected, previously 57.8. Service PMI 47.7 vs. 44.0 expected, previously 46.0. France + 1.02%. December Flash Services PMI 49.2 vs. 40.0 expected, previously 38.8. Manufacturing PMI 51.1 vs. 50.1 expected, previously 49.6. European stocks rise amid rising hopes for a Brexit trade deal and enthusiasm for COVID-19 vaccine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said there had been progress in talks on a post-Brexit trade deal with the UK. GBP / USD is climbing back above 1.3500 on Brexit progress reports, targeting a firm breakout above that level and its September 1st high at 1.3482. EUR / USD climbs above the 1.2200 mark for the first time since April 2018 after the French and German purchasing managers' indexes did better.