European stock markets experienced a broad-based rally on Thursday, breaking a two-day period of subdued trading. Gains where primarily driven by strong performance in the industrial and banking sectors, even though results from copper mining companies presented a ⁣mixed​ picture.

The STOXX 600 index, a‌ benchmark for European equities, rose by 0.2% ⁤to close at 577.59 points, signaling potential for ‌a third consecutive session of positive movement.

Germany‘s major bourse saw a⁣ more considerable increase, climbing 0.7%, ⁢while France‘s benchmark index rose by 0.3%.

Industrial and Banking Sectors Drive Growth

Industrial stocks were‍ the largest contributors to the STOXX​ 600’s gains, ⁤increasing by 0.4%. Shares ⁢of ‍Schneider Electric‌ and Siemens Energy saw notable gains⁤ of 3.5% and 2.8% respectively, following an upgrade​ in​ their ⁤ratings by JP Morgan. JP ​Morgan raised its recommendation on both ⁤stocks from​ “neutral” to ‍”relatively overweight.”

Banking stocks also contributed to the positive trend, rising ​0.4%.Société Générale led the sector ⁢with ⁤a 2.4% increase after Goldman Sachs upgraded its recommendation on the stock from “neutral” to “buy.”

Global Sentiment and Copper Mining Performance

The overall market sentiment was bolstered by positive momentum from Wall Street, wich ​had closed higher the ⁢previous night. Weak economic data released recently has increased‌ expectations for ​a potential interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve in the coming week.

Performance within ​the copper mining sector was varied. Rio Tinto,listed on‍ the London Stock Exchange,saw a slight increase in its share price following the company’s declaration⁢ of plans to reduce ​costs and ‍improve productivity. However, shares of Aurobis, Europe’s largest copper producer, experienced ⁤a slight ⁣decline after reporting annual profits that fell short of market expectations.