Ibex 35 climbs past 19,800 points as euro steadies near $1.145

Spain’s Ibex 35 rose sharply on Friday, first climbing 0.53% to about 19,776.5 points and later closing up 0.92% at 19,852.4, edging toward a new historic high. The gain was led by steelmakers ArcelorMittal and Acerinox, while other sector leaders posted modest gains.

The euro remained stable around $1.1450 after positive euro‑zone economic data showed a bounce‑back in overall activity, moving the currency within a narrow band of 1.1421‑1.1462 dollars. European markets were buoyed by the U.S. Independence Day holiday, which kept Wall Street closed and limited downside pressure.

Oil prices stayed low, with Brent near $71.85 per barrel and WTI around $68.6, supporting risk sentiment. German DAX also rose 0.78% to 25,779.31, helped by reforms and expectations that the Federal Reserve will hold rates steady.