European stocks surged to record highs this week, with the STOXX 600 and Germany's DAX hitting all-time peaks. Investors are betting against an imminent US rate hike, boosting cyclical stocks. Defence shares also climbed amid geopolitical tensions. Signs of easing inflation and a balanced economic outlook in the Eurozone are further supporting the rally, making European markets attractive due to lower valuations.

European indexes were gaining, recovering ground after Wednesday's session ended mostly lower.

The STOXX Europe 600 Index is up 9.04 points or 1.41% today to 648.35