Ukraine Accord Boosts European Markets; Credit Suisse Rises on Q4 Profit, Cost Cuts

Mainland European stock indices rally on Thursday on hopes that a new accord will end the civil war in Ukraine. Companies with significant exposure to Russia, including sporting goods maker Adidas, food retailer Metro and Austria’s Raiffeisen Bank International, get a booster, while in Zurich lender Credit Suisse pleases worried investors with cost-cutting plans. U.K. equity indices are tempered by a Bank of England prediction of an acceleration in inflation, but miner Rio Tinto rises on news of a $2 billion share buyback. The Deal's Laura Board reports from London.