CMC Markets' senior analyst Michael Hewson said markets were being driven up by three main factors - "the hopes of US stimulus, the hopes of a UK and EU (Brexit) trade deal and better-than-expected PMIs". The MSCI world stock index hit a record high of 636.64, and was later up 0.4%. The index has climbed 15% since the beginning of November, propelled by trillions of dollars worth of global stimulus. European stocks rose 1% to nine-month highs, with the UK's FTSE 100 index jumping 1.1%. It gained after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said there had been progress on a Brexit trade deal and that the next few days would be critical.

Source: bd News24 December 16, 2020 12:11 UTC