European Stocks Rise

European stocks rose at the beginning of a busy week, with investors anticipating key inflation data from the United States and decisions from major central banks regarding interest rates. Meanwhile, a decline in metal prices led to a drop in mining company shares. The Stoxx 600 index climbed 0.4 percent, remaining at its highest level in 22 months. The index has increased 11.6 percent so far this year, primarily supported by bets on interest rate cuts amid signs of slowing inflation and the potential for a slight recession in the Eurozone. Goldman Sachs raised its forecast for the Stoxx 600 index to 500 points, implying nearly a six percent gain by the end of 2024 based on expectations of interest rate cuts. U.S. inflation reports and decisions from the Federal Reserve, Bank of England, and European Central Bank regarding interest rates, set to be released this week, are crucial in assessing the market's increased expectations for global monetary policy easing. The Polish index rose 0.3 percent after Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki lost a confidence vote, paving the way for a coalition government of pro-European parties led by Donald Tusk to take power. Mining stocks fell 0.9 percent, leading sector losses on the index as most metal prices declined against a rising dollar.