Mild Rise Of European Share Prices

Share prices on European stock exchanges chalked a mild rise, affected by ongoing companies' mergers and acquisitions activities.

Share prices on European stock exchanges chalked a mild rise on Wednesday as a result of the ongoing companies' mergers and acquisitions activities and they were also backed by the decline of oil prices. 

The Frankfurt DAX index rose 0.31 percent, to 7,067 points. The London Ftse had a minor loss, 0.1 percent, and dropped to 6,359 points. 

German car manufacturer DaimlerChrysler confirmed that they were in negotiations with potential buyers of their staggering American affiliate Chrysler, but pointed out that all the options remained open. Nonetheless, the group's shares grew 0.2 percent weaker. 

Mergers and acquisitions are a constant force that drives the markets. I do not think there will be many days without any activities of this kind, said Bernard McAllinden, strategist at NCB Stockbrokers in Dublin. 

There are no major company or economy news on the agenda and investors will keep monitoring the events between Iran and Britain closely, related to the freeing of the 15 captured British sailors and marines. 

Among more important news, what stands out is the debut of the shares of the newly founded group for stock market management, NYSE Euronext, at the Paris stock exchange. By noon, their price declined two percent, to about 74.10 euros. 

The oil price decline generally has a stimulating effect on shares, with the exception of those in the energy sector, which grew 0.8 percent cheaper, down to 64.07 dollars, following the oil barrel price drop on the US market. BP share prices simultaneously dropped 0.7 percent, Eni's 0.3 percent, and Repson YPF's dropped 0.8 percent.

The index of the Tokyo Nikkei stock exchange chalked a 1.74 percent leap, to 17,544 points.