Interest rate decisions of the European Central Bank and the Swiss Central Bank in focus

European markets opened higher on Thursday, as regional investors awaited the European Central Bank's final monetary policy decision this year.

The European Stoxx 600 index rose 0.14%, with all major stock exchanges and most sectors trading in the green. Oil and gas stocks rose 0.92% while media stocks fell 0.28%.

UK FTSE 100 index The German index rose 0.14% to 8,313 Dax Up 0.23% to 20,444 shares in France Kak It rose 0.4% at 7,451 and in Italy FTSE MIB indicator Up 0.51% at 34,912.

– Karen Gilchrist

The European Central Bank is set to cut interest rates by 25 basis points on Thursday and signal more cuts to come, setting Europe up for stronger economic growth in 2025, according to Goldman Sachs.

“We think the ECB will move gradually… but I think there will be some recognition today that interest rates are heading lower,” chief European economist Gary Stein told CNBC ahead of the decision.

“Low interest rates will go some way to helping with savings and boosting consumer spending, and this is one of the reasons why we believe Europe will grow next year,” he added.

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– Ganesh Rao

European markets are expected to open in mixed territory on Thursday.

UK FTSE 100 index The index is expected to open 10 points higher at 8,308 in Germany Dax Declining 12 points to 20,398 France Kak Up 11 points at 7437 and Italy FTSE MIB indicator It rose 67 points to 34,787, according to IG data.

The European Central Bank and the Swiss National Bank announce monetary policy decisions today. No big profits are expected.

– Holly Eliatt