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| - European stock markets advanced at the open on Thursday, mirroring gains elsewhere ahead of an interest rate decision from the Bank of England. In initial deals, London's benchmark FTSE 100 index rose almost 0.3 percent to 7,058.54 points, before the BoE's monetary policy announcement at 1100 GMT. In the eurozone, the Paris CAC 40 index gained 0.5 percent to 6,368.50 points and Frankfurt's DAX 30 won 0.3 percent to 15,221.20. Global equities rebounded Wednesday as investors focused on bright earnings and data pointing to an economic recovery. "Following Wednesday's super-surge, the European markets entered Thursday's trading at a light jog," said Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell. "Today brings May's Bank of England meeting, one that comes complete with a fresh set of economic forecasts for the UK," he noted. The British central bank is set to hike its economic growth forecasts as the UK gradually exits lockdown restrictions thanks to the country's speedy rollout of Covid-19 vaccines. The BoE is also expected to leave its key interest rate at a record-low 0.1 percent and maintain its stimulus programme pumping vast sums around the economy. The bank currently forecasts the UK economy to grow by 5.0 percent this year and by 7.25 percent in 2022. Most Asian stocks indices also rose Thursday as investors welcomed a strong jobs report from the United States that reinforced optimism that the world's top economy is well on the recovery track, though inflation concerns persist. burs-rfj/lth
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