World shares near all-time high

World shares are near an all-time high and the euro is steady, because the ECB ensured that global liquidity will prolong.

In most of the big economies of the world, record-low interest rates support asset markets.

Britain's FTSE opened 0.3% higher. The rest of the European main stock exchanges rose on Monday after European election results.

Dollar dropped 0.2% against a basket of currencies extending weakness after one more retreat in U.S. bond yields.

The euro was unchanged at $1.3645, with the help of softer dollar holding it above its recent three-month lows.

Traders and analysts based in London expect another large batch of U.S. numbers on Tuesday for a bigger market move following a tight few days of trading.

The dollar continues to struggle. The U.S. rate curve and rate differentials haven't moved in dollar’s favor.

Italian bonds consolidated gains after its government surprisingly won in European Parliament elections defeating the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement.

Investors are watching situation in Ukraine, which started a paratrooper assault and air strikes against pro-Russian rebels to vacate an airport.

Mergers and Acquisitions

European shares were additionally supported by another flurry of merger activity.

British media reported bid interest from the United States buoyed Intercontinental Hotels Group.