LIVE MARKETS-Europe before the bell: Back near record highs

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STRONG START

It's been a strong first hour of trading for European stocks, with the broad STOXX 600 up 0.6% closing in on last month's record peak.

Gains are broad based, travel and leisure .SXTP financials .SXFP and defence .SXPARO are all over 1% higher, with broker upgrades boosting Lufthansa LHAG.DE and Intercontinental Hotels IHG.L

UBS UBSG.S is up around 4% after local media reported a group of Swiss lawmakers proposed a compromise between tougher capital rules for the lender and ensuring the bank remains internationally competitive.

Germany is also outperforming with the Dax.GDAXI up 0.7% led by Adidas ADSGn.DE up after strong overnight results from LululemonLULU.O , and midcaps .MDAXI over 1% higher helped by Lufthansa and Puma PUMG.DE

(Alun John)

EARLIER LIVE MARKETS POSTS

EUROPE BEFORE THE BELL: BACK NEAR RECORD HIGHS CLICK HERE

MORNING BID COPPER EDGES PAST SILVER TO TAKE GOLD CLICK HERE