By Danilo Masoni

MILAN (Reuters) – Stocks and oil prices rose on Monday as stimulus hopes and suggestions Donald Trump’s health was improving brought relief to markets after last week’s rush to safety on uncertainty over the impact of the U.S. president’s COVID-19 infection.

Trump, 74, was flown to a hospital for treatment on Friday, but his doctors said he had responded well and could return to the White House as soon as on Monday.

Optimism over fiscal stimulus in the world’s largest economy also came into play after upbeat weekend comments from Trump himself and U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who said progress was being made on relief legislation.

The MSCI world equity index, which tracks shares in 49 countries, was up 0.5% by 1214 GMT, supported by overnight gains across Asia and the early session in Europe.

The pan-European STOXX 600 rose 0.8%. S&P 500 futures rose 0.7%