Market Update
European markets moved higher Tuesday ahead of some closely watched data due from Germany later in the morning session.
The FTSE was up 1%. The CAC 40 Paris gained 0.9% while the German DAX also rose 0.9%.
Earlier, data showed French business confidence remained unchanged in March for the third straight month. The business confidence indicator stood at 100, in line with expectations.
Also on tap, Germany's Ifo business morale index is to be published followed by inflation data from the U.K. slightly later. On Monday, the DAX fell after German composite figures revealed slowing growth.
Stocks on the Move
easyJet PLC soared 4.6% after the airline raised its first-half outlook.
Thomas Cook gained 1.5%.
RBS was up 1.1% while Barclays and HSBC were up 0.7% each, respectively. RBS is reportedly in talks with Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui to sell its U.S. retail business Citizens.
Marks and Spencer was down 0.3% after the company said two of its most experienced directors would leave in the summer.
BNP Paribas was up 0.8%. The French lender said it would reduce its Ukraine staff by 1,600 by 2015 as part of a restructuring.
In Frankfurt, Lufthansa rose 1.4% while Siemens AG was up 0.8%.