Economic Indicators and Earnings Reports Shape European Markets

On Thursday, European stock markets experienced a predominantly upward trend, buoyed by the latest economic data and earnings reports. The United Kingdom reported a slight GDP increase of 0.1%, while its trade deficit widened to £10 billion in the final quarter of 2024. Investors also closely monitored inflation figures from Germany and Switzerland, alongside earnings updates from major corporations like Nestle, Commerzbank, and Barclays.

Market Movements Across Major Indices

The DAX index saw a significant rise of 2.09%, with Siemens leading the charge. Conversely, the FTSE 100 dipped by 0.55%, largely due to a sharp decline in British American Tobacco shares. The CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 also enjoyed gains, with notable performances from Legrand and Adyen, respectively.

Currency Fluctuations

In currency markets, the euro strengthened by 0.50% against the dollar, while the pound appreciated by 0.75%, reflecting investor optimism and the impact of the latest economic indicators.