Major European stock indices trading in the green zone

European stock indices show a moderately positive trend, aided by rise in price of shares of the automotive sector. In addition, investors analyze the latest statistical data from China and the start in the US corporate reporting season.

The data showed that exports from China fell sharply in December due to weak demand, which increased investors' anxiety about the state's second-largest economy in the world. General Customs Administration of China reported that the total volume of foreign trade in December fell by 6.8% per year, amounting to 3,684 billion dollars. The volume of China's exports in December alone totaled 209.4 billion dollars, down 6.1% compared to the same period last year. China's import volume in December was 168.6 billion dollars, a decline of 3.1% per annum. In addition, it was reported on the results of China's exports in 2016 decreased by 7.7%, imports decreased by 5.5% per annum. The volume of China's exports in 2016 amounted to 2.097 billion dollars, and imports US $ 1.587 trillion. The trade surplus for the end of 2016 amounted to 509.9 billion.

Investors are also preparing for the US report season, which starts today.

The composite index of the largest companies in the region Stoxx Europe 600 rose 0.6%, to the level of 364.68. Most sectors and stock exchanges are trading in positive territory.

Automotive segment rose by 0.59 percent despite news that US Environmental Protection Agency accused Fiat Chrysler Automobiles of installing software on cars, underestimating the figures on emissions of harmful substances. However, the automaker rejected these accusations. Currently, shares of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles show an increase of 3.6%.

Renault's capitalization fell by 2.4 percent after reports that the French authorities have launched an investigation against the company, suspecting of manipulation of car exhaust data.

Shares of the health sector are growing, recovering from the comments made earlier this week by US President that pharmaceutical companies "go with murder."

At the moment:

FTSE 100 +20.27 7312.64 + 0.28%

DAX +67.03 11588.07 + 0.58%

CAC 40 +43.61 4907.58 + 0.90%