European stocks started the year strong, with mining and energy sectors leading the surge. The U.S. dollar remained weak, near 98, due to Fed rate-cut expectations and concerns about the U.S. economic outlook. The pan-European Stoxx 600 rose by 0.6%, continuing its momentum from last year’s 17% gain. Major European indexes like the German DAX, France’s CAC 40, and the UK’s FTSE 100 all saw positive movements, with commodity-related stocks driving the FTSE’s 0.9% surge. Skanska AB secured a contract to build a data center in the USA, while PMI figures and a drop in UK house prices were also notable news of the day.

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