European Markets Mostly Up

On Thursday, major European stock markets experienced a mostly positive closure. This uptick followed the latest report on the United Kingdom's gross domestic product (GDP), which showed a slight increase of 0.1%. Additionally, the UK's trade deficit expanded to £10 billion in the final quarter of 2024, marking a significant point for investors to consider.

Inflation and Earnings Reports

Investors also turned their attention to inflation reports from Germany and Switzerland. These reports were crucial in understanding the economic landscape. Furthermore, the earnings reports from major corporations like Nestle, Commerzbank, and Barclays provided additional insights into the market's direction.

Market Performance

The DAX saw a significant rise of 2.09% at the closing bell, with Siemens leading the charge. Conversely, the FTSE 100 experienced a slight decline of 0.55%, with British American Tobacco seeing a notable drop. The CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 also showed positive movements, with companies like Legrand and Adyen making significant gains.

Currency Movements

In currency markets, the euro and pound both saw gains against the dollar, reflecting a positive sentiment in European markets.