Global stocks lifted by vaccine rollout, Brexit deal, and Trump aid bill

Wall Street stocks hit record highs on the back of President Trump finally signing his country's Covid-19 aid bill

European shares marked their strongest close in 10 months, with German shares hitting a record high as relief over long-awaited US coronavirus relief, a Brexit trade deal, and a vaccine programme lifted spirits in thin holiday trade.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday signed into law a $2.3 trillion pandemic aid and government spending bill, causing some optimism over near-term economic prospects.