Stoxx 600 Makes Gains this Morning

Spread betting and contracts for differences on the European stock market should consider that things are improving -- at least for the Stoxx 600. One of the helpful catalysts for the pan-European stock market was the fact that both Bulgari and Richemont both reported better profits than expected. The improvement in the luxury goods market is considered good news for the economy, and an indication that consumer spending might be picking up.

Additionally, good news in terms of GDP came out of the euro zone, spurring hopes for economic recovery. The readings in both Germany and France showed growth for the second quarter in a row, and that lifted the GDP for the entire euro zone. This is an indication that economic recovery is getting under way -- even though officials think that things will move slowly through 2010.

Individual indices in Europe are moving higher as well. The CAC 40 and the DAX have overcome earlier losses to move into the black. And the FTSE 100 is solidly higher as the day (and the week) moves closer to an end.