In European Equity Markets the pan-European Stoxx 600 finished provisionally up by 0.24 percent with sectors and major bourses almost evenly split between winners and losers. Europe’s telecoms stocks led the gains on the back of robust earnings results. BT was the top sector performer, after raising its company outlook. Shares were 8.6 percent higher at the close. On the other hand, oil and gas stocks fell under pressure. Tgs-Nopec Geophysical fell more than 9.8 percent after posting weaker-than-anticipated third-quarter operating profit.

In Currency Markets sterling rallied on Thursday on reports that London is close to sealing a financial services deal with Brussels, and as the Bank of England hinted that future interest rate rises would be slightly faster if Brexit goes smoothly. Sterling jumped to a day’s high of $1.2954 and traded up 1.4 percent on the day after the BoE’s decision. It had been trading around $1.2915 before the central bank’s announcement. Versus the euro the pound also rose nearly half a percent to 88.27 pence but was below the day’s high.

In Commodities Markets oil fell on Thursday, touching its lowest levels since June, due to rising concerns over weaker global demand and increased supply from the world’s major oil producers. With Russia pumping oil at a post-Soviet high, U.S. crude output at more than 11 million barrels per day (bpd), concerns about renewed U.S. sanctions on Iran have faded in recent days. Brent crude futures fell $1.57 a barrel to $73.47 a barrel, while U.S. futures were down $1.40 a barrel at $63.91. Both benchmarks posted their biggest monthly percentage decline since July 2016 in October.

In US Equity Markets stocks rose for a third straight day on Thursday, as industrials gained after President Donald Trump said trade talks with China were “moving along nicely”, while optimism was boosted by healthy results, especially from chip-makers. The trade-sensitive S&P industrial sector rose 1.50 percent, with Boeing Co and Caterpillar Inc leading the gains. The S&P 500 was up 0.76 percent, at 2,732.32. The Nasdaq Composite was up 1.09 percent, at 7,385.40. Apple was 0.2 percent higher ahead of its results after the bell, with technology stocks rising 0.73 percent.

in Bond Markets Euro zone government bond yields rose on Thursday, with German borrowing costs hitting a one-week high as rallying stocks and upbeat noises on Brexit talks dimmed the appeal of fixed income assets. Across the euro zone, most 10-year bond yields were up 1-2 basis points on the day. Germany’s benchmark 10-year bond yield rose to a session high of 0.42 percent, its highest in just over a week. Italian bond yields, which tend to move closely in step with rises and falls in risk sentiment, fell.