European markets are expected to open higher Thursday as investors react positively to the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision to hold interest rates steady.
The Fed made the decision Wednesday amid signs of economic growth, while labor market conditions and inflation remain above the central bank’s target. The decision also included an upgrade to the Fed’s general assessment of the economy.
Asia markets rose sharply as investors took comfort from the decision, while S&P 500 futures inched higher overnight as investors shifted focus from the Fed to the latest batch of corporate earnings reports.
Back in Europe, the Bank of England is due to announce its latest monetary policy decision Thursday. The central bank is widely expected to follow the European Central Bank and the Fed in keeping interest rates unchanged this month.