Renewed Speculation of ECB Tightening Boosts the Euro

European bank stocks booked solid early gains Monday as regional markets rebounded and the single currency rose against the U.S. dollar amid solid growth prospects and renewed speculation of near-term European Central Bank tightening.

The region wide Stoxx Europe 600 Banks index, the broadest measure of financial sector shares, was marked 2.8% higher in the opening hour of trading while Deutsche Bank AG (DB) - Get Report  shares were marked 3.25% higher at €14.67 each. Its domestic rival, Commerbank AG (CRZBY) , gained 3.4% to change hands at €11.10 each. BNP Paribas SA (BNPQY) , France's biggest lender, was seen 1.7% higher at €66.60 while Banco Santander SA (SAN) - Get Report , the biggest bank in Spain, saw its London-listed shares rise 2.7% to 508 pence each.

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