European Stocks Break Three-Day Losing Streak

European stocks broke a three-day losing streak on Tuesday, building on gains in other markets boosted by signs of a global economic recovery and rising commodity prices.

Gains for heavyweight miners boosted European shares after strong commodities prices steadied Asian markets earlier in the session, Reuters reported.

London copper rose to a three-year high while zinc held close to its highest level in a decade and nickel, which is used in stainless steel, logged a fresh annual peak.

BHP Billiton, the world’s largest miner, reported a surge in underlying full-year profits and said it would exit its underperforming US shale oil and gas business, pleasing shareholders who had called for a sale.

“Commodity prices are holding firm, particularly base metals,” said Sue Trinh, FX strategist at RBC Capital Markets. She cautioned that commodities have mostly firmed “on speculative Chinese investment flow from the wealth management industry, so we question the real demand.”

The surge in European stocks pushed up the MSCI world equity index, which tracks shares in 46 countries, which is now up 0.1% on the day, its second day of gains after sharp falls last week. The broad index of European stocks was up 0.4% on the day.

The Dow and the S&P 500 inched up around 0.1% each while the Nasdaq Composite slid 0.1% to extend losses for a third day.

The performance comes on the back of strong sentiment towards Europe that saw the euro record its biggest one-day gain in a month on Monday. Though the single currency dipped slightly on Tuesday, it is still around the $1.18 mark which analysts believe might prompt policymakers to consider action.

A strong euro reduces import prices and therefore keeps inflation lower in the bloc, making it harder for the ECB to withdraw stimulus measures put in place after the debt crises of 2010-2012. The ECB’s key target is to boost inflation to “just below 2%”.

The dollar index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of six major rivals, was up 0.3% to 93.218.

The dollar has recently faced selling pressure from tepid US inflation data which have fed into expectations the Federal Reserve will adopt a patient approach to further monetary tightening.

Elsewhere, crude oil prices firmed, lifted by indications that supply is gradually tightening, especially in the United States. Brent crude futures added 34 cents to $52 per barrel.