Stocks, News, Data, and Earnings: A Comprehensive Overview

UK house prices have seen their fastest rise since December 2022, according to new data from British mortgage lender Nationwide. The prices increased by 1.6% in March compared to the previous year, although there was a slight drop of 0.2% in March alone, the first decrease since December 2023.

Robert Gardner, chief economist at Nationwide, attributed the subdued activity in the housing market to the impact of higher interest rates on affordability. While mortgage rates are lower than they were in mid-2023, they are still significantly higher than the lows seen after the pandemic.

In other news, market strategist Matt Orton has identified small and mid-cap stocks as promising investments for this year. He highlighted four under-the-radar companies that he is bullish on, emphasizing the potential for a breakout in the small-cap sector.

Meanwhile, CNBC Pro has compiled a list of five stocks recommended by fund managers for long-term investment. These stocks are chosen based on their strong business models and strategies that are expected to remain relevant for the next decade or more.

As European markets prepare to open, the FTSE 100 index is expected to start 5 points lower at 7,957, while Germany’s DAX index is set to open 10 points higher at 18,516. Investors will be keeping an eye on U.K. house price data, euro zone manufacturing numbers, and German inflation figures for March.