Most markets saw another consecutive week of positive performances, with some regions seeing consistent rises spanning more than a month. Both the FTSE 100 and US equities finished the week up 1.5%, with the latter achieving another all-time high for the fourth consecutive week. Figures showed the UK economy grew 0.4% in February. The news came amid England easing its lockdown restrictions and Northern Ireland announcing it will allow outdoor dining from the end of April showing signs of acceleration to the lockdown exit.

For the rest of Europe, France and Italy are increasing their efforts to accelerate vaccination rollouts. Germany is also trying to push its vaccination efforts amid a rising Covid-19 infection rate. Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged parliament to implement stricter control across the country such as introducing curfews for more infectious areas. Despite these fears among the biggest economy in Europe, pan-European equities posted a seventh consecutive week of gains, climbing 1.2%.