European stocks have opened higher on Monday as they seek a fresh start following a weak quarter and two consecutive monthly declines. The Stoxx 600 index, the CAC 40, the DAX, and the FTSE 100 are all showing gains. This positive opening suggests a potential rebound in European markets after a period of stagnation.
Meanwhile, in the UK, house prices have remained steady on a monthly basis in September, but they have experienced a 5.3% decline compared to the previous year. Mortgage approvals have also been significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels. However, the expectation of a lower peak interest rate from the Bank of England has put downward pressure on longer-term interest rates, potentially easing the pressure on new buyers and those looking to remortgage. Overall, while borrowing costs are unlikely to return to historic lows, solid income growth and slightly lower house prices and mortgage rates may gradually improve affordability over time.
In other news, veteran emerging markets investor Mark Mobius has identified two Chinese tech giants as key stocks for any portfolio investing in developing economies. Despite recent volatility, these giants are still generating good profits. Additionally, Goldman Sachs has named six global stocks that are expected to benefit from the global push toward sustainability and the renewable energy transition, describing the sector as the “largest source of renewable energy in the world.” Both of these developments highlight potentially lucrative investment opportunities in emerging markets and the renewable energy sector.
