S&P predicting European equity markets set to soar

analyst predicts 10% rise in equity markets, despite global growth slowdown

Pan-European equity markets will rise by more than 10% next year despite a predicted slowdown in global growth, according to predictions from Standard & Poor's. The group's equity research team is forecasting a 12% gain in its S&P Europe 350 index, which measures the performance of equities in 17 European markets, including the UK. Clive McDonnell, chief European strategist, identified three key drivers in the coming year. "We expect M&A values in Europe to exceed the forecast $1.5trn outturn of this year," he said. "In addition, credit default swaps, market volatility and corporate cre...