Stock markets in Ireland and the UK are expected to jump this morning on the first day of trading since the Christmas Eve post-Brexit trade deal was secured.

They will also get a boost after US President Donald Trump finally signed off on a $2.3tn (€1.88tn) pandemic aid and spending package.

Germany’s DAX hit a record high in early trading yesterday, spurred by optimism over the trade deal, while other bourses including those in Spain, Italy, France all showed gains.

A number of Irish-listed companies including Irish Ferries owner Irish Continental Group (see shipping container division story), CRH, Smurfit Kappa, DCC, UDG Healthcare and Kingspan will be among those likely to get a lift this morning.

Dublin and London markets were among the only ones closed in Europe yesterday.

For more regards impact of Brexit and US markets, Independent.ie reports here.