European shares start 2023 on upbeat note on encouraging factory data
European shares rose in the first trading session of 2023 on Monday as euro zone manufacturing data suggested the worst had passed after a year marred by fears of a recession as central banks hiked rates globally.
The pan-regional STOXX 600 (.STOXX) rose 0.8%, supported by consumer discretionary stocks. The automobiles and parts sector (.SXAP) gained 2.5% and luxury names like LVMH (LVMH.PA) and Kering (PRTP.PA) added about 1.5% each.
“With 10-year bund yields above 2.50%, relaxed year-end trading and the probable drop in HICP inflation are raising hopes for an upbeat start into the year,” Commerzbank Research analysts said in a note, referring to the euro zone consumer prices inflation data due later this week.
An early indicator was data showing the downturn in euro zone manufacturing activity has likely passed its trough as supply chains begin to recover and inflationary pressures ease, leading to a rebound in optimism among factory managers.
ECB President Christine Lagarde said euro zone wages are growing quicker than earlier thought and the central bank must prevent this from adding to already high inflation.
Bond yields of Europe’s largest economy, Germany, dropped from their highest levels in more than a decade as investors braced for inflation data this week.
Germany’s finance minister expects inflation in Europe’s biggest economy to drop to 7% this year and to continue falling in 2024 and beyond, but expects high energy prices to be the new normal.
The German DAX (.GDAXI) gained 1.0%, while other European exchanges also started the year on a positive note. The London and Dublin stock exchanges are closed for the New Year’s day holiday.
The energy sector (.SXEP) added 1.3%, tracking firm crude prices.
