European stocks climbed early on Thursday morning, lifted by growing signs of a global economic recovery, although gains were capped ahead of ECB chief Mario Draghi's press conference, according to Reuters. The European Central Bank is seen keeping interest rates on hold, with the decision due at 1145 GMT, while investors' focus will be on Draghi's briefing, at which he could try to dampen expectations of an interest rate rise. At 0725 GMT, the FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares was up 0.5 percent at 1,221.96 points, gaining ground for the second day in a row and hitting its highest level since Aug. 27.
