Stock markets in Asia and Europe rose Thursday with traders mulling the outlook for US interest rates as Federal Reserve officials questioned the need for a cut anytime soon.Comments from Fed officials reinforced the view that sticky inflation and a resilient US economy will keep the bank from easing monetary policy anytime soon.
Indonesian authorities closed an airport and residents left homes near an erupting volcano Thursday due to the dangers of spreading ash, falling rocks, hot volcanic clouds and the possibility of a tsunami. Mount Ruang on the northern side of Sulawesi Island had at least five large eruptions Wednesday, causing the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation to issue its highest level alert, indicating an active eruption. An international airport in Manado city was temporarily closed Thursday as volcanic ash was spewed into the air.
The FTSE 100 has opened higher today, with easyJet among the risers after its winter trading update. Retailer Dunelm, estate agent Foxtons and investment platform AJ Bell are among other companies with updates. AJ Bell defies stock market jitters as assets jump 17% in last year to £80 billion.