Major European indices moved higher on Wednesday, buoyed by investor optimism over potential interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve and renewed efforts to avoid a spike in transatlantic trade tensions ahead of a key tariff deadline.
Traders remained focused on the upcoming July 9 expiration of the 90-day pause on new U.S. tariffs, with EU trade representatives expected to visit Washington this week in a last-minute bid to secure a deal.
The STOXX 600, a broad measure of European equities, rose 0.3% to 541.97 after slipping slightly on Tuesday. Germany’s DAX advanced 0.5%, France’s CAC 40 gained 0.8%, and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 added 0.1%.
Corporate Highlights:
- Wizz Air Holdings (LSE:WIZZ) climbed 2.4% after the budget airline reported stronger passenger numbers for June.
- Topps Tiles (LSE:TPT) surged 7.3% following a solid trading update showing a 10% increase in quarterly sales.
- On the downside, Bytes Technology Group (LSE:BYIT) plunged 25% as the software company warned of weaker profits in the first half of the fiscal year.
- Greggs (LSE:GRG) also took a hit, dropping 14% after the U.K. bakery chain said full-year earnings would likely fall short of last year’s figures.
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