Europe open: Stocks advance even as euro makes run at technical resistance

European equities started the day on the front foot despite a higher euro and a sharp fall in in Deutsche Bank shares.

As of 0810 GMT, the benchmark Stoxx 600 was up 0.11% with the Cac-40 ahead by 0.39% to 5,031.91 and Germany's Dax up 0.26% at 12,084.99. Milan's FTSE Mibtel was up 0.46% to 20,060.47.

The Stoxx gauge of lenders' shares was advancing 0.54%, led by banks from the periphery.

The euro was up by 0.55% against the dollar to 1.0795 and fast-approaching its 2017 highs of 1.082. If breached that could set off a move towards 1.11, analysts said. The single currency was up against the pound by 0.26% at 0.8712.

Front month Brent crude futures were gaining 0.96% to $52.12 a barrel.

A snap poll from Elabe following the TV debate in France showed 29% of viewers believed independent centrist candidate Emmanuelle Macron controlled the field most convincingly. The far left challenger Jean Luc Melenchon came second with 20% and the right wing Marine Le Pen third with 19%.

"The fight between populism and globalism was live in yesterday’s French presidential debate. EUR/USD declared that centrist and former investment banker, Emmanuel Macron, won this round, as the currency pair shot higher. However, I suggest not to jump to conclusions given that 40% of voters have not decided whom to back yet, and we already learned a lesson from the Brexit vote and US presidential election," said FXTM strategist Hussen Sayed.

Danske Bank's Aila Mihr was of a broadly similar view, telling clients that "with 40% of voters still undecided on who to support in the election, the importance of these debates should not be underestimated".

Eurogroup chief Jeroen Dijsselbloem said talks between Greece and its creditors would intensify in coming days and weeks, but shied away from promising any sort of agreement by the time of the next Eurogroup meeting on 7 April.

On the economic calendar for Tuesday was the February CPI and public finance data in the UK, alongside at least three Fed speakers.

Stock in Deutsche Bank began the day down by approximately 10% as the subscription period for its capital call began.

America's PPG Industries is lining up for another shot at Dutch chemicals maker Akzo Nobel after the coatings company repelled its first takeover approach.

France's Altice acquired video online advertising company Teads in a transaction worth roughly €285m.

Analysts at Berenberg upped their target on Arcelor Mittal from €10.50 to €12.0, while reiterating a 'buy' stance.