Here is how major stock markets outside the United States ended on Thursday.
The FTSEurofirst 300 index of pan-European blue chips closed up 1.6 percent, or 20.3 points, at 1,256.4, setting a new 3-1/2 year peak of 1,256.37. Thursday's gain was the biggest one day points gain since October 31.
Defying resistance from politicians and business leaders, the ECB lifted its benchmark rate by a well-flagged 0.25 percentage points to 2.25 percent, and ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet signalled any future increases would be moderate.
The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index shed 54.7 points, or 1.18 percent, to close at 4,580.1.
The All Gold index closed at 2,260.44 points, down 5.75 or 0.25 percent, while the Industrial index closed at 12,085.56 points, up 78.48 or 0.65 percent.