European Markets Rise Ahead Of Germany’s Court Ruling

The French CAC 40 index was up 0.18 percent or 6.29 points to 3543.59. Shares of Credit Agricole SA rose 1.65 percent and shares of AXA SA advanced 1.12 percent.

London’s FTSE 100 index fell 0.13 percent or 7.59 points to 5784.60. Shares of Admiral Group plc declined 2.57 percent and shares of Hargreaves Lansdown Plc dropped 2.03 percent.

The German DAX 30 index rose 0.30 percent or 21.80 points to 7331.91. Shares of Commerzbank AG advanced 2.59 percent and shares of Volkswagen AG climbed 0.66 percent.

Spain's IBEX 35 was up 0.99 percent or 78.80 points to 8009.20. Shares of Telefonica SA rose 1.07 percent and shares of Mapfre SA climbed 1.79 percent.

Investors are focusing on Wednesday's ruling by the German Constitutional Court on the legality of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and the fiscal compact. Market players expect that the most likely outcome is that the Court will rule the ESM as legal. At the same time, it could also impose conditions on its future use.

“No one expects the court to block either measure. On the other hand, the court is likely to impose conditions that will highlight Germany’s reluctance in providing more financial aid to struggling EU nations, and its unwillingness to push for further EU integration without the consent of the German people,” DBS Group Research said in a note.

Investors are also focusing on European Commission President José Manuel Barroso’s annual State of the Union speech. He is expected to present his proposals for the euro zone political and banking union.

The Dutch general election will be held Wednesday.

“The Netherlands’ fragmented political system has meant that it often takes months to form new governments and far longer to pass significant reforms. Progress on both austerity at home and support for the periphery will continue to be slow and painful,” Capital Economics said in a note.