(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 10 mar - European share prices opened higher, tracking global optimism after US president Donald Trump suggested the military operation in Iran could end "very soon," potentially within a week.

Sentiment was further supported by a sharp reversal in oil prices, which retreated toward 90 dollars a barrel after Trump unveiled measures to lower energy costs, including waiving some oil-related sanctions.

Additionally, G7 finance ministers stated the group "stands ready" to release oil from strategic reserves if necessary to stabilize the market.

Investors today are digesting fresh trade data from the euro zone's largest economies.

In Germany, January trade surplus widened to 21.2 billion euros in January as imports fell faster than exports, while France saw its trade deficit narrow to 3.1 billion euros.

Looking ahead, the market remains focused on a heavy slate of US economic indicators, including the ADP employment report and existing home sales due later today, followed by crucial inflation data tomorrow and the JOLTS job openings on Friday.

At 0809 GMT, London's FTSE 100 was up 1.40% at 10,392.94 points while in Frankfurt the DAX was 2.14% higher at 23,894.44 points and in Paris the CAC 40 rose 1.89% to 8,064.73 points. Milan's FTSE MIB gained 2.56% to 45,151.50 points while in Madrid the IBEX 35 was 2.68% higher at.

17,398.34 points.

(RADIOCOR) 10-03-26 09:15:44 (0208) 5 NNNN