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European stocks rally on data showing slowing growth in coronavirus spread

European stocks rally on data showing slowing growth in coronavirus spread

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European stocks climbed in early action on Monday on tentative signs the spread of coronavirus is slowing.
The Stoxx Europe 600 XX:SXXP, which fell 0.6% last week, advanced 2.6%.
The German DAX DX:DAX surged 3.6%, and big gains also were seen for the French CAC 40 FR:PX1 and U.K. FTSE 100 UK:UKX.
Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average US:YM00 surged 785 points.
The growth rate of new coronavirus cases and fatalities slowed over the weekend. In the U.S., the new-case growth tally slowed to 8.2% from 12.3%, and the fatality rate slowed in both Italy and Spain, according to data compiled by Deutsche Bank.
“With the spread of the virus appearing to slow down somewhat, at least in Europe and especially in Asia, risk appetite may improve slightly for the time being,” said Marc-André Fongern of Fongern Global Forex.
The hospitalization of U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson put pressure on the British pound US:GBPUSD, though 10 Downing Street called the overnight stay “precautionary.”
Rolls-Royce UK:RR, the engine maker, shot up 14% after halting its dividend, pulling its financial guidance and announcing a new credit line worth £1.5 billion.
GVC Holdings UK:GVC also rallied after halting its dividend, with the sports-gambling operator climbing 12%. GVC now sees a COVID-19 hit of approximately £50 million a month to operating profit from a previous estimate of £100 million a month due to various cost-savings measures, notably the U.K. government’s furlough program.
Legal & General UK:LGEN surged 18% as the U.K. insurer bucked the trend, and the Bank of England’s advice, in deciding to pay a final dividend.
Crude-oil futures US:CL slipped as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and Russia have reportedly pushed back a meeting to cut production until Thursday.

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