(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 17 apr - European share prices were mostly higher at midday, as investor sentiment was supported by growing optimism for a de-escalation of regional conflicts.

Markets reacted positively to news that a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect today, with US president Donald Trump adding that a peace deal with Iran is "looking very good" and that formal talks could resume as early as this weekend. These diplomatic developments have fueled hopes for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which is seen as vital for stabilizing global energy supplies.

On the data front, the eurozone's trade in goods surplus narrowed to 11.5 billion euros in February, down from 23.1 billion a year earlier, as exports fell 6.7%. Additionally, the European Central Bank reported that the bloc's current account surplus shrank to 25 billion euros in February from 40 billion in January.

At 0950 GMT, London's FTSE 100 was down 0.07% at 10,582.80 points, while in Frankfurt the DAX was 0.73% higher at 24,326.20 points and in Paris the CAC 40 rose 0.44% to 8,299.14 points. Milan's FTSE MIB gained 0.79% to 48,406.50 points while in Madrid the IBEX 35 was 0.48% higher at.

18,179.62 points.

(RADIOCOR) 17-04-26 11:55:21 (0293) 5 NNNN