Global Stock Markets Today (Dec. 17, 2025, 12:09 GMT): Europe Climbs on UK Inflation Surprise as Investors Brace for CPI and Central Bank Decisions
European stocks climbed Wednesday after UK inflation fell to 3.2% in November, fueling expectations of a Bank of England rate cut. The STOXX 600 rose 0.4%, led by banks, energy, and miners. Sterling weakened and gilt yields dropped as traders priced in a 25-basis-point cut. Asian markets saw selective gains amid optimism in AI and chips, while Japan faced bond-market stress.