Global stock markets powered ahead Thursday as investors welcomed 2020 with a raft of strong gains after China’s central bank announced fresh stimulus, dealers said. Asia kicked off the New Year on the front foot, with most rallying out of the blocks Thursday on lingering trade optimism and the stimulus news. Europe also shone as investors remain upbeat about the global outlook after Washington and Beijing eventually reached a trade agreement to ease tensions between the two. Brexit uncertainty has meanwhile been removed with Britain set to leave the European Union on January 31. The signing will smooth concerns that the pact could suffer a last-minute collapse, which has niggled some traders.

Source: Punch January 02, 2020 12:22 UTC