European stocks rise on ECB stimulus measures

European stocks opened higher today, continuing their rise for the fourth session, near touching the 7-week high that was hit yesterday, after the ECB stimulus decisions to support the European economy.

As of 08:27 GMT, stoxx Europe 600 Index rose by 0.2%, its fourth straight daily gain, while the index closed higher by 0.2% yesterday, and posted a 7-week high after the ECB's decisions and Mario Draghi's remarks. 

The index opened higher today, to extend its gains for the fourth consecutive session near touching the 7-week high, with most of the European markets and sectors surging.

The European Central Bank (ECB) announced yesterday a rate cut to -0.5% and launched a bond-buying program worth 20 billion euros per month (about $22 billion) in its efforts to stimulate the European economy growth.

The central bank took some gradual measures to mitigate the damage on the European banks, which led to the rise of the banking sector and financial companies, heading the gainers list in Europe.

S&P 500 futures rose by 0.3%, while it closed yesterday in Wall Street higher by 0.3%, in its second daily gain.

Euro Stoxx 50 index rose by 0.25%, in France the CAC 40 rose by 0.3%, while Germany's DAX rose by 0.25%, and in London, the FTSE 100 rose by 0.1%.