European indices trade well at the open,...>

EQUITIES: European indices trade well at the open, with mainland bourses up

around 5% apiece. The periphery is lagging very slightly, with gains limited to

3-4% for the Spanish and Italian markets.

- Energy and materials sectors are the best performers as they recover alongside

commodities (and more specifically crude oil) prices, with defensive utilities

the worst performing so far today, albeit still up just shy of 4% in the

Stoxx600. 567 of the 600 listed stocks are higher, with travel-exposed firms at

the top of the list. WH Smith, Aeroports de Paris and InterContinental Holdings

are among the biggest risers so far.

- E-mini S&P is indicating a decent open on Wall Street later today, with the

index having traded above 2,500 for the first time since Tuesday this morning.

The Dow Jones future is also back above 20,500.

- There may be some additional volatility in US futures and options today, with

March option and futures expiries due throughout the day. E-mini S&P/Dow/NASDAQ

futures and options expire at the 1330GMT/0930ET open.