European stocks rally as investors hunt for conflict-hit bargains

But it was not enough to pull the Stoxx-600 up from earlier losses as geopolitical tensions sent investors fleeing from risk

ECB chief Christine Lagarde said the conflict may stall growth.

Europe’s main stocks index roared back yesterday, lifting off nine-month lows with banks leading a broad-based rally as investors hunted for bargains following a bruising sell-off after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Hopes for diplomacy aided sentiment after the Kremlin said Russian president Vladimir Putin is ready to send a delegation to Minsk for negotiations with representatives of Ukraine.