Investing.com -- European stock markets edged higher Monday, boosted by optimism over further Chinese stimulus although investor sentiment remains weak.
At 07:25 ET (12:25 GMT), Germany's DAX traded 0.1% higher, France's CAC 40 gained 0.6% and the UK's FTSE 100 rose 0.5%.
With no major corporate earnings or economic data releases scheduled in Europe for Monday, traders are turning their attention to broader global developments.
Potential Chinese stimulus boost
European equity markets have been boosted Monday after China pledged to implement more proactive fiscal stimulus measures and adopt moderately looser monetary policies in 2025.
This news came from an official readout from a key policy meeting held by the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.
China-exposed miners in Europe surged 2.8%, while luxury stocks LVMH (EPA:LVMH) and Richemont (SIX:CFR) added more than 2% each.
More Middle East instability
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have added a layer of uncertainty following the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by rebel forces over the weekend.
The abrupt end to Assad’s regime has prompted cautious reactions from Western leaders, who fear the potential consequences of a power vacuum in the region.
The situation is likely to remain a focal point for investors, who are assessing its implications for global stability and markets.
UK business confidence drops
Adding to the cautious mood in Europe, a new report has revealed that business confidence in the UK has plummeted to its lowest point since January 2023.
As per data released by business advisory firm BDO, the Optimism Index, a key measure of business sentiment, fell sharply by 5.81 points to 93.49 in November.
This decline also marks the steepest monthly drop since August 2021, underlining the mounting challenges faced by businesses.
The report pointed to rising operational costs, shrinking order volumes, and persistent difficulties in the labor market as the primary factors behind the slump.
These pressures are compounding the difficulties already facing UK firms, which are grappling with an uncertain economic landscape.
As concerns about inflation and sluggish economic growth linger, the steep decline in optimism shows the broader struggles of businesses navigating an increasingly challenging environment.
HelloFresh (OTC:HLFFF) slumps
In the corporate sector, German meal-kit company HelloFresh (ETR:HFGG) stock fell over 7% after ABC News reported an ongoing investigation into allegations of migrant children working at one of its facilities in Aurora, Illinois.
CompuGroup Medical (ETR:COP1n) soared 32% after the German provider of healthcare software said it was in advanced talks to be acquired by CVC Capital Partners (AS:CVC).
Oil prices edge higher amid geopolitical tensions
Oil prices rose Monday, driven by a rising geopolitical risk premium following the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by rebel forces.
This development adds to concerns over instability in the oil-rich Middle East region.
By 07:25 ET, U.S. crude futures (WTI) rose 1.3% to $68.05 per barrel, while Brent crude rose by 1.1%, trading at $71.92 per barrel.
(Navamya Acharya contributed to this article.)