Europe: Mostly higher

LONDON: European shares rose yesterday, with aerospace group EADS among the top gainers, as fresh signs of central bank support enabled equities to recoup earlier losses caused by Italy's political deadlock.

The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index was up by 0.5 per cent at 1,166.54 points by around midday, putting it on track for its longest winning streak on a monthly basis since the index began in 1997. The Euro STOXX 50 index advanced 0.4 per cent to 2,622.36 points.

"I feel we are coming towards the end of a bull market cycle from March 2009. I see some near-term upside before a healthy correction, but for markets to then recover again as the year progresses," said JN Financial investment manager Ed Smyth. Reuters