(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 25 mag - European share prices were higher at midday as the US and Iran are believed to have moved closer to an agreement that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns about global energy supplies.

Market sentiment was supported after US president Donald Trump stated that negotiations are "proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner" while cautioning that both sides must take their time to ensure the deal is successful.

The resulting decline in oil prices helped to alleviate investor worries surrounding inflation and a potential global economic slowdown.

Trading volumes are expected to remain light today, as both Wall Street and the London Stock Exchange are closed for holidays.

At 0930 GMT25, in Frankfurt the DAX rose 0.87% to 25,146.00 points while in Paris the CAC 40 added 1.05% to 8,201.26 points. Milan's FTSE MIB index was up 0.92% at 49,966.50 points while Madrid's IBEX 35 gained 1.47% to 18,249.15.

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(RADIOCOR) 25-05-26 11:45:28 (0207) 5 NNNN