Heading: EUROPEAN STOCKS RISE AFTER FED HIKE AS OIL SLIPS - 2026-09-18
Published September 18, 2026 Updated about 2 hours ago By Reuters FRANKFURT: European shares rose on Thursday as lower oil prices and a pause in the global bond selloff lifted risk appetite after the US Federal Reserve delivered its widely expected interest-rate hike. The pan-European STOXX 600 gained 0.9 percent to 642.6 points, with most regional markets advancing. Metal mining shares led the gains, jumping 2.1 percent. Automakers rose 1.7 percent, led by gains of around 2 percent for BMW, Renault and Volkswagen. Brent crude extended losses for a second day after reports that Saudi Arabia was offering additional cargoes through Oman, though prices remained above USD100 a barrel. Europe’s energy sector nonetheless edged up 0.1 percent. The Fed’s first rate increase in three years on Wednesday reinforced expectations that major central banks are stepping up efforts to curb inflation. US Treasury yields fell on Thursday as investors assessed the decision and signals of further tightening ahead. Investors also focused on the Bank of England, which held rates steady while warning that soaring energy costs would intensify inflation pressures. The UK’s blue-chip FTSE 100 climbed 1.2 percent, marking its biggest one-day gain in over two…