Dubai – Mubasher: European equities opened Wednesday’s trading at a rise, amid forecasts of an increase in the euro exchange rate.

HSBC expected the euro to rise against major currencies in the coming period, amid projections the European Central Bank would face difficulty in raising its stimulus programme in a short period.

The bank said the euro would rise against the dollar to $1.20 by the end of 2016, compared to previous estimates of $1.10.

UK’s FTSE Index rose 1.6% to 6,002 points, while German DAX Index added 2% to 9,632 points.

France’s CAC Index gained 2% to 4,427 points and Italy’s FTSE MBI opened 1.5% higher at 21,034.