Markets pressured as recession talk builds

Europe’s main stock markets rose Thursday before a long Easter holiday weekend and after a hesitant Asian session, as traders eyed US recession fears on the eve of key jobs data, dealers said.

London stocks advanced 0.7 per cent toward midday, with energy major Shell jumping two per cent on a forecast of rebounding first-quarter gas production.

Frankfurt and Paris logged modest gains in afternoon eurozone trade, with many investors away for an extended break.

All three major European markets will be shut on Friday and Monday for a four-day Easter holiday weekend.

“Growing recessionary concerns cast a pall over markets,” said analyst Richard Hunter at trading firm Interactive investor.