EU stocks edge higher, a strike in UK leads to gains in airlines stocks

European stocks manage to enter positive territory, with investors' focus entirely on the ECB's upcoming meeting, leaving markets cautiously reassured by possible monetary stimulus.

Another catalyst for the day: Brexit uncertainty intensifies after Boris Johnson says he will not ask for an extension, hours after a new law emerges that will extend the bloc's final deadline unless no new agreement was reached between the two negotiating parties.

At corporate rhetoric, CFO of Deutsche Bank, James von Moltke said that problems with Germany's largest bank did not hamper investment banking income, at least not as much as expected, adding that he remained quite "encouraged" by developments on that front.

At the same time, British Airways ceased operations in the UK following the first ever pilot strike. The airline, as part of the International Airlines Group (IAG), was forced to stop 1,700 flights from Heathrow and Gatwick.

However, reports that this strike would raise tariffs led to a jump in IAG shares of over 3.9% as they also own Iberia and Aer Lingus. Easy Jet traded up 5.4%.

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