(Paris) Stock markets rose on Friday, delighted with falling inflation figures in the euro zone and the United States, the icing on the cake of a rather positive first quarter for equity markets.

After a fifth session of increases this week, Paris gained 0.81%, Frankfurt 0.69% and Milan 0.34%. Over the first three months of the year, they increased by 12% to 14%.

London rose 0.15% on Friday and 2.42% in the quarter.

In New York, the NASDAQ stands out with a 16% increase since the beginning of the year, while the Dow Jones has been stable over the period. THE

Around 11:55 a.m. EST, the Dow Jones was up 0.74%, the S

The euro zone’s year-on-year inflation rate fell in March for the fifth consecutive month, to 6.9%, after 8.5% in February, thanks to the lull in energy prices, according to Eurostat . Analysts had expected 7.1%.

“Core” inflation, which excludes energy and food, the prices of which are volatile, from the consumption basket, however, increased further to 5.7% over one year.

“Today’s data added to other evidence of inflationary pressures confirms in our view our scenario of three additional 25 basis point rate hikes” in European Central Bank (ECB) rates, commented economists from Axa Investment managers in a note.

As for the PCE index, the inflation indicator favored by the American central bank to calibrate its monetary policy, it slowed more than expected by analysts polled by Bloomberg, to 5% in February over one year, and to 0, 3% over a month.

Another positive point for the evolution of inflation according to the speakers: consumer spending has stabilized (0.2%).

Inflation remains well above the US Federal Reserve’s (Fed) target of 2% per year, which remains “an argument for further rate hikes” for the US central bank, according to Patrick O’Hare of Briefing.com.

Especially since “the stress around the banks has calmed down, so central banks will be able to focus mainly on the fight against inflation”, underlines Charlotte de Montpellier, economist of ING France.

On the bond market, the two-year US rates, the most sensitive to the monetary policy of the central banks and to the short-term outlook, hardly varied.

The yield on US 2-year debt was worth 4.10%, down from 4.12% at Thursday’s close. The 10-year equivalent fell to 3.51% against 3.55% the day before.

The titles of major retail groups were on the rise in New York, despite a slowdown in consumption. Walmart took 1.17%, department stores Macy’s 3.56% and DIY chain Home Depot 1.42%.

In Europe too, Carrefour gained 2.03% in Paris, Sainsbury’s 1.09% in London, despite a drop in consumption in several European countries. Clothing also did well with Adidas (5.02%) or Zalando (2.15%) in Frankfurt.

The company specializing in the launch of small Virgin Orbit satellites, in difficulty after the failure of a space mission, will lay off 85% of its employees, or 675 people, according to a document published on the site of the American Stock Exchange Constable (SEC ).

Virgin Orbit stock fell nearly 40% in New York after falling 16% on Thursday.

In mid-March, the company had suspended its operations, the time to conduct discussions on possible sources of financing and to explore strategic opportunities. She had announced a few days later to resume her activity.

Oil prices were rising, in line with the trend of the week: a barrel of Brent North Sea was worth 79.63 dollars (0.45%) and US WTI was worth 75.17 dollars (1.09%) around 11:50 a.m. (Eastern time). In five days, they took over 6% and 8% respectively.

The euro fell 0.28% to $1.0875, and bitcoin rose 0.78% to $28,370.