European Markets Respond Positively to Economic Indicators

Major European stock indices closed higher on Friday, buoyed by the latest Eurozone consumer price index (CPI) report. The data revealed a rise in inflation to 2.4% in December, signaling a robust economic recovery. Additionally, investors reacted positively to the UK's retail sales data, which showed a 3.6% increase in December 2024, further boosting market sentiment.

Stock Highlights and Currency Movements

Among the notable performers, Siemens Energy AG and Siemens AG saw their shares climb by 3.06% and 2.92%, respectively, contributing to the DAX and Euro Stoxx 50's gains of 1.30% and 0.80%. The CAC 40 also enjoyed a rise, with Pernod Ricard leading the charge with a 2.87% increase. The FTSE 100 was not left behind, as Entain PLC surged by 6.29%, pushing the index up by 1.35%. On the currency front, the euro and pound sterling experienced slight fluctuations against the US dollar, with the euro trading at $1.02932 and the pound at $1.21904 by the close of the market.