(Reuters) - European stock markets bounced back on Friday from their worst day ever, as signs of a U.S. stimulus package helped soothe fears about an economic shock from the coronavirus pandemic.
The benchmark STOXX 600 index (STOXX) was up 4% at 0805 GMT, following a 12% plunge on Thursday on rising fears of a liquidity crunch after the European Central Bank decided to keep interest rates steady.
The crash erased over $1 trillion from the value of European firms and plunged the MSCI world index (MIWD00000PUS) firmly into a bear market, but sentiment stabilised on Friday after indications that U.S. Democrats and Republicans could soon agree on a stimulus package.
Swiss diagnostics maker Roche (S:ROG) jumped 4.7% after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued emergency authorisation for a faster coronavirus test made by the company.
German payments company Wirecard (DE:WDIG) soared 17.3% to the top of the STOXX 600 after saying a KPMG audit found no manipulation in Wirecard's financial statements.