European stocks rally

European markets were higher on Thursday morning, as investors monitored the latest flurry of corporate results and reacted to Brexit developments in the UK, reports CNBC.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 was up around 0.7 per cent during afternoon deals, with most sectors and major bourses in positive territory.

Europe's oil and gas stocks were some of the best performers. OMV, Royal Dutch Shell and Aker BP were all up more than 1.0 per cent.

Looking at individual stocks, Germany's Gea Group surged to the top of the European benchmark amid earnings news. The Dusseldorf-based group reported full-year revenue rose almost 5,0 per cent in 2018, prompting shares to jump nearly 9.0 per cent.

Sticking in Germany, Lufthansa tumbled to the bottom of the index during morning trade.